WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumer sentiment about the U.S. economy has ticked down but remains near a recent high, with Americans’ outlook largely unchanged this year.
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, released Friday in a preliminary version, slipped to 77.9 this month, down from March’s figure of 79.4. Sentiment is about halfway between its all-time low, reached in June 2022 when inflation peaked, and its pre-pandemic averages. The survey has been conducted since 1980.
“Consumers are reserving judgment about the economy in light of the upcoming election, which, in the view of many consumers, could have a substantial impact on the trajectory of the economy,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the consumer survey.
The index had dropped to 61.3 as recently as November before jumping in the following two months by the most in more than three decades. It has since moved mostly sideways.
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
Roundup: Chinese FM Expounds on China
Total profits of China's SOEs hit $650 billion in 2023
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
China endeavors to keep ancient city of Pingyao alive
Xi Arrives in San Francisco for Talks with Biden, APEC Meeting
Annual spring farming ceremony held in China's Tibet
View of 5th CIIE venue in Shanghai
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
More foreign buyers to participate in Canton Fair as nation expands opening