US Consumer Confidence Edges Higher Amid Ongoing Job and Cost-of-Living Concerns
US Consumer Confidence posted a slight improvement in early February, despite persistent concerns about labor market conditions and rising living costs, according to the latest survey by the University of Michigan.
The university’s Surveys of Consumers showed that US Consumer Confidence rose to 57.3 this month, up from a final reading of 56.4 in January.
Economists surveyed had expected the index to decline to 55.
Limited rebound, historically low levels
Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, noted that US Consumer Confidence is now at its highest level since August 2025.
However, the recent monthly gains remain modest, and overall confidence continues to be historically low.
Concerns over eroding personal finances due to high prices, along with rising risks of job losses, remain widespread, weighing on consumer sentiment.
Inflation expectations
The survey indicated that one-year inflation expectations fell to 3.5% from 4% in January, while five-year inflation expectations edged up slightly to 3.4% from 3.3%.
The data suggest continued caution among households, as US Consumer Confidence remains closely tied to developments in employment and price stability across the US economy.
