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
Project: surveys of consumers
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
Personal finances improve while economic outlook darkens
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment fell back a modest 2.5 index points, or 4%, in November, extending what is now a four-month stretch of consecutive declines, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. While consumers’ views of their personal finances improved, their economic outlook deteriorated, due in part to growing concerns about high interest rates,… Continue reading Personal finances improve while economic outlook darkens
Consumer sentiment holds as personal finances remain stable
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment was relatively unchanged in August and ended the month with its second-highest reading in 21 months, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. This follows two months of large jumps in sentiment resulting from the substantial slowdown in inflation and ongoing strength in labor markets. Overall, consumers remain supported… Continue reading Consumer sentiment holds as personal finances remain stable