NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 54 in January 2026, according to a preliminary reading released Friday by the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers, up from the final reading of 52.9 in December 2025 but below last January's 71.7.
The preliminary reading of the Current Economic Conditions Index rose to 52.4 in January, up from the final reading of 50.4 in December but below last January's 75.1. The Index of Consumer Expectations rose to 55, up slightly from the final reading of 54.6 in December but below last January's 69.5.
Though year-ahead inflation expectations held steady in January at 4.2 percent, this is the lowest reading since January 2025. Meanwhile, long-run inflation expectations ticked up slightly from 3.2 percent in December to 3.4 percent in January 2026.
While consumers perceived some modest improvement in the economy over the past two months, their sentiment remains nearly 25 percent below last January's reading.
"Although consumers' worries about tariffs appear to be gradually receding, they remain guarded about the overall strength of business conditions and labor markets," said UM Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu. ■