University of Michigan: Consumer Sentiment Ticks Up in Jan


   
Karim Bastati
DTN Analyst

   VIENNA (DTN) -- U.S. consumer sentiment continued to improve in January, 
with the Index of Consumer Sentiment rising 1.1 points to a four-month high 54, 
according to preliminary data from the University of Michigan's Surveys of 
Consumers released Friday (1/9) morning. This marked the second consecutive 
monthly improvement after the index in November plummeted to the lowest reading 
in three and a half years. Year-over-year, the index was down 17.7 points, or 
24.7%.

   The Index of Consumer Expectations, which reflects the economic outlook over 
the next 12 months, rose 0.4 points to 55, up 0.7% month-on-month but down 
20.9% compared to the same month last year. 

   The Current Economic Conditions Index, measuring sentiment about personal 
finances and buying conditions, rose 2 points to 52.4. Year-on-year, the index 
was down 30.2%.

   "Consumers continue to be focused primarily on kitchen table issues, like 
high prices and softening labor markets. Although consumers' worries about 
tariffs appear to be gradually receding, they remain guarded about the overall 
strength of business conditions and labor markets," said Surveys of Consumers 
Director Joanne Hsu.

   Year-ahead inflation expectations were unchanged at 4.2%, the lowest reading 
since January 2025, when they were at 3.3%. Long-run inflation expectations, 
meanwhile, rose from 3.2% to 3.4%.

    




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