The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 57.3 in February, up from 56.4 in January and beating economist forecasts of 55.0, marking the highest level since August 2025. Despite the improvement, sentiment remains approximately 20% below January 2025 levels, with concerns about high prices and job loss weighing on Americans. Year-ahead inflation expectations fell to 3.5% from 4.0%, the lowest since January 2025, while gains in sentiment were concentrated among consumers with large stock portfolios. The survey director noted that while sentiment is at a six-month high, recent monthly increases have been small and the overall level remains historically low.
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