U.S. Consumer Sentiment Dips More Than Previously Estimated In April
26 April 2024 - 8:16PM
RTTF2
Revised data released by the University of Michigan on Friday
showed consumer sentiment in the U.S. deteriorated by more than
previously estimated in the month of April.
The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index for
April was downwardly revised to 77.2 from a preliminary reading of
77.9.
Economists had expected the consumer sentiment index to be
unrevised from the preliminary reading, which was down from 79.4 in
March.
"Different parts of the population exhibited offsetting changes
this month," said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu.
"Republicans posted notable declines in sentiment this month,
whereas Democrats and Independents did not. Sentiment for younger
consumers rose, in contrast to middle-aged and older adults whose
sentiment changed little or fell."
She added, "Overall, consumers continue to express uncertainty
about the future trajectory of the economy pending the outcomes of
the upcoming election, but at this time there is no evidence that
global geopolitical factors are on the forefront of consumers'
minds."
The decrease by the headline index came as the current economic
conditions index fell to 79.0 in April from 82.5 in March, while
the index of consumer expectations dipped to 76.0 in April from
77.4 in March.
Meanwhile, the report showed year-ahead inflation expectations
increased by slightly more than previously estimated, climbing to
3.2 percent in April from 2.9 percent in March.
Long-run inflation expectations also rose to 3.0 percent in
April from 2.8 percent in March, remaining elevated relative to the
2.2-2.6 percent range seen in the two years pre-pandemic.
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