U.S. Consumer Confidence Edges Higher in February

(MENAFN) American consumer optimism edged higher this month, with the U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index climbing to 57.3 in February 2026, the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers disclosed Friday in preliminary data, advancing from January 2026's final figure of 56.4.

The preliminary Current Economic Conditions Index registered 58.3 in February, marking an uptick from January's final measurement of 55.4, though trailing the 65.7 recorded twelve months prior. The Index of Consumer Expectations stood at 56.6, dipping marginally from January's final tally of 57 and falling short of last February's 64.

Short-term inflation projections retreated from 4 percent in January to 3.5 percent in February—the most subdued forecast since January 2025—yet this month's figure still surpasses all readings captured throughout 2024.

Conversely, long-term inflation outlooks crept upward for a consecutive second month, advancing from 3.3 percent in January to 3.4 percent in February.

"While sentiment is currently the highest since August 2025, recent monthly increases have been small ... and the overall level of sentiment remains very low from a historical perspective," said UM Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu. "Concerns about the erosion of personal finances from high prices and elevated risk of job loss continue to be widespread."

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