US consumer sentiment came in at its lowest-ever recorded level in May, according to a University of Michigan survey of consumers released on Friday, with Americans battered by high prices and concerns about the Iran war.

The university's Index of Consumer Sentiment came in at 48.2, its lowest level since data collection began in 1952, according to the survey's website.

Separately, government data showed US employment rose more than expected in April while the unemployment rate remained steady, with the world's largest economy firming recent labour market gains though analysts warned of underlying weakness.

"Total nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 115,000 in April, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.3 percent," the US Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

US job growth has been see-sawing between expansion and contraction for the last year, sparking concerns about the health of the labour market and economic growth more generally. (AFP)


Edited by Edmond Fong