Consumer confidence has sunk to depths not seen even during the darkest days of the financial crisis or the first wave of the pandemic. The University of Michigan’s index sits at an all-time low. Joanne Hsu, who directs the survey, put it plainly. “Critically, consumers appear worried that inflation will increase and proliferate beyond fuel prices, even in the long run.” That worry stems from a toxic mix. Lingering effects from pandemic-era disruptions. New tariffs. And fresh trouble in the Middle East that has tightened oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Piper Sandler analysts warned the strait could stay largely closed for months. Energy experts add that years of underinvestment in supply mean elevated prices could linger. The result? Gasoline and heating costs climbing again. Households feeling the pinch. And a clear signal that price pressures refuse to fade quietly. This red flag carries an unexpected upside for more than 70 million Social Security recipients.…