ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment slid nearly 10% from January and fell for the second straight month. The decrease was unanimous across groups by age, income and wealth. All five components of the sentiment index deteriorated this month, led by a 19% plunge in buying conditions for durables, due in part to fears that tariff-induced price increases… Continue reading Consumer sentiment drops as inflation worries escalate
News Tag: Surveys of Consumers
Consumer sentiment reverses course, inches up as election landscape changes
ANN ARBOR—After four straight months of declines, consumer sentiment in August inched up 1.5 index points above July, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The economic outlook over both the short term and long term reached their most favorable levels since April 2024, with a 10% surge in long-run economic expectations that… Continue reading Consumer sentiment reverses course, inches up as election landscape changes
Consumer sentiment unchanged, unaffected by election developments
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment has remained virtually the same in the last three months, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. July’s reading was a statistically insignificant 1.8 index points below June, well under the margin of error, said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director of the surveys. Expectations for business conditions improved for the short… Continue reading Consumer sentiment unchanged, unaffected by election developments
Sentiment holds steady as consumers expect inflation to slow
ANN ARBOR—Sentiment was essentially unchanged this month, inching down a scant 1% from May, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. While consumers exhibited confidence that inflation will continue to soften, many expressed concerns about the effect of high prices and weakening incomes on their personal finance, said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director… Continue reading Sentiment holds steady as consumers expect inflation to slow
Sentiment falls amid concerns that labor markets may weaken
ANN ARBOR—Sentiment fell back about 10% in May, a departure from three consecutive months of very little change in consumer views, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Although consumers’ views about their personal finances were little changed this month, their outlook for short-run business conditions declined notably in May, said U-M economist… Continue reading Sentiment falls amid concerns that labor markets may weaken
Consumer sentiment holds steady amid renewed concerns over high prices
ANN ARBOR—Sentiment has remained essentially unchanged since January 2024, continuing the plateau that followed the large gains seen at the end of 2023, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The long-run business outlook lifted slightly to reach its highest reading since June 2021, while views of personal finances softened amid renewed discontent… Continue reading Consumer sentiment holds steady amid renewed concerns over high prices
Sentiment holds steady amid confidence in slowing inflation
ANN ARBOR—Sentiment remained essentially unchanged since January 2024, solidifying the large gains from December and January, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Consumers exhibited confidence that inflation will continue to soften, said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers. Assessments and expectations of personal finances improved modestly from last… Continue reading Sentiment holds steady amid confidence in slowing inflation
Consumer sentiment solidifies sharp gains
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment was virtually unchanged in February, slipping just two index points and solidifying the large gains from December and January, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Consumers continue to express more confidence about the economy than they did last fall, confirming the considerable improvements in December and January across various… Continue reading Consumer sentiment solidifies sharp gains
Partisan attitudes toward economy creates ‘substantial economic uncertainty’
ANN ARBOR—Consumer attitudes and expectations are harshly divided along partisan lines, and the divide is wide enough to generate substantial economic uncertainty, according to a special report released by the University of Michigan. Joanne Hsu, director of U-M’s Surveys of Consumers, and the surveys research team investigated how partisan differences have evolved through the post-COVID… Continue reading Partisan attitudes toward economy creates ‘substantial economic uncertainty’
Consumer sentiment climbs amid split views on business outlook
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment soared 13% in January to reach its highest level since July 2021—continuing the sharp increase seen in December—primarily on the basis of an improving outlook over inflation and personal incomes, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Over the last two months, sentiment has climbed a cumulative 29%, the largest… Continue reading Consumer sentiment climbs amid split views on business outlook