FX.co ★ US Consumer Sentiment Rises for Third Month

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index advanced by 0.9 points, reaching 57.3 in February 2026, marking the third monthly increase in a row and surpassing market projections of 55, according to preliminary figures. Despite this upward trend, sentiment continues to linger approximately 20% below the figures recorded in January 2025. This uptick was largely spurred by consumers with substantial stock portfolios, whereas those without equity holdings experienced stagnant sentiment at suppressed levels. Slight enhancements in the perception of current personal finances and conditions for purchasing durable goods were tempered by a minor decline in long-term business outlooks. Predominant concerns include the deterioration of household finances due to elevated prices and the looming threat of job losses. From a pricing perspective, inflation expectations for the upcoming year saw a significant decrease to 3.5% from the prior 4.0% in January, marking the lowest point since January 2025. Meanwhile, long-term inflation expectations continued their upward trajectory for a second consecutive month, rising to 3.4% from 3.3%.