Surprise: Americans are starting to feel better about the economy and inflation:
Much has been made about how Americans feel bad about the state of the economy ...
nbcnews.com/business/economy/how-the-economy-is-doing-right-now-according-to-american-consumers-rcna128725
Photo: nbcnews.com · view article
Consumer Sentiment Surges in December, Defying ExpectationsThe University of Michigan's index jumped 13% to 69.4, reversing four months of decline and matching August levels.
Key FactsDec 8, 2023 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nbcnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nbcnews.com
- The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose sharply in December, ending a four-month downward trend.
- Inflation expectations for the coming year dropped from 4.5% to 3.1%, marking the lowest level since early 2021.
- Improvement in sentiment was widespread across demographics, including age, income, education, region, and political affiliation.
- Stronger consumer confidence is supported by a resilient job market and easing inflation concerns, highlighting economic durability.
There was a broad consensus of improved sentiment across age, income, education, geography, and political identification.— Joanne Hsu, Director of Surveys of Consumers, on consumer sentiment regarding the economy.
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Key FactsConsumer Sentiment Hits Historic Low
Apr 11, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
- US consumer sentiment dropped 11% in April to 50.8, marking the second-lowest level since 1952.
- The survey indicates that sentiment is heavily impacted by President Trump's trade war and rising inflation concerns.
- Despite declining sentiment, actual economic activity remains steady, with strong employment and consumer spending continuing.
- However, economists warn that rising inflation expectations and uncertainties could jeopardize economic stability.
History teaches that when higher inflation expectations become entrenched, the road back to price stability is longer, the labor market is weaker and the economic scars are deeper.— Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan said this Thursday at an event in Dallas.
Inflation slows, incomes rise, and Americans are much more optimistic about the economy
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Key FactsRising Optimism Amid Persistent Cost Pressures
Jan 24, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pbs.org
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pbs.org
- US inflation has declined from around 9% in mid-2022 to 3.4%, approaching the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
- Real wages increased by 2.2% last year, helping Americans adjust to a higher cost of living.
- Despite elevated prices for essentials like food and rent, consumer sentiment has improved significantly over recent months.
- Political polarization is increasingly shaping economic outlooks, potentially impacting voter behavior in the upcoming election.
The cost of living is higher, the wages are higher. Let’s just move ahead. There’s no need for (the government) to bring the price level back down. It would be too painful.— David Andolfatto, an economist at the University of Miami and a former Fed economist, discusses the need to adjust to higher prices.
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