Record-low US consumer confidence in May was even worse than initially reported, according to fresh data released by the University of Michigan, with Americans battered by the economic fallout of the Iran war, reports AFP.

According to final figures, the university’s consumer sentiment index came in at 44.8 points, down from 48.2 points in its preliminary estimate released on May 8.

The reading is the lowest level since data collection began in 1952, according to the survey’s website.

“The cost of living continues to be a first-order concern, with 57 percent of consumers spontaneously mentioning that high prices were eroding their personal finances, up from 50 percent last month,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the survey.