20.02.202615:05:56UTC+00US Consumer Sentiment Revised Slightly Lower

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index was revised down to 56.6 in February 2026 from a preliminary reading of 57.3, remaining close to January’s level of 56.4. Despite only modest improvement, this was still the highest reading since August 2025, following a period of historically weak sentiment in recent months.

All major components of the index showed little change, indicating that consumers perceive economic conditions as largely unchanged from the previous month. High prices continued to weigh on household finances: about 46% of respondents reported that elevated prices were straining their personal finances, and this proportion has now exceeded 40% for seven consecutive months.

Sentiment differed notably across demographic and financial groups. Confidence improved among large stockholders but deteriorated among households without equity holdings. Likewise, higher-income and college-educated consumers reported stronger sentiment, while lower-income and less-educated respondents did not see comparable gains.

Inflation expectations were mixed. One-year inflation expectations fell sharply to 3.4% from 4.0%, the lowest level since January 2025. In contrast, longer-term inflation expectations were unchanged, holding at 3.3%.