US consumer sentiment unexpectedly improves in February

6th Feb 2026 15:32

(Sharecast News) - US consumer sentiment unexpectedly improved in February, according to a preliminary survey released on Friday.

The University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment rose to 57.3 from 56.4 in January, but was down on last February's 64.7. Economists were expecting a reading of 55.0.

The index for current economic conditions increased to 58.3 in February from 55.4 the month before, but was weaker than the reading of 65.7 in February 2025.

The index of consumer expectations printed at 56.6 this month, down from 57.0 in January and 64.0 in February 2025.

Surveys of consumers director Joanne Hsu said sentiment surged for consumers with the largest stock portfolios, while it stagnated and remained at dismal levels for consumers without stock holdings.

"While sentiment is currently the highest since August 2025, recent monthly increases have been small - well under the margin of error - and the overall level of sentiment remains very low from a historical perspective," she said.

"Concerns about the erosion of personal finances from high prices and elevated risk of job loss continue to be widespread. Interviews for this release cover the two-week period that ended this past Monday."