New Delhi, May 27 -- Consumers aren't happy, and experts can't quite agree why. One answer, new research suggests, is affordability-namely, the lack thereof.

Internet searches for the term have surged since the start of the year, as have mentions of it in news coverage. In email campaigns from members of Congress, mentions of the word spiked during last year's election cycle.

The idea of affordability is having a moment. And it's no mystery why.

In May, consumer sentiment fell to a record low in the University of Michigan's monthly survey. While inflation has climbed in recent months due to the war in Iran, other key economic indicators paint a positive picture. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth is up, unemployment is low, and the st...