US April Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index 52.2…Exceeds Market Expectations

Minseung Kang

Summary

It was reported that the US April consumer sentiment index was 52.2, exceeding market expectations.
The 1-year expected inflation was 6.5%, slightly below expectations, but still at a high level.
There is an assessment that the consumer sector remains robust despite the Trump administration's tariff pressures on China.

The US April consumer sentiment index exceeded expectations.

On the 25th (local time), the University of Michigan announced that the consumer sentiment index, which reflects consumers' confidence in the domestic economy, was 52.2 in April. This is above the market expectation of 50.8.

The 1-year expected inflation announced at the same time was 6.5%, slightly below the expectation of 6.7%, but it remains at a high level. This suggests that consumers expect inflationary pressures to persist in the short term.

The rise in the consumer sentiment index is interpreted as a signal that US consumers' economic sentiment and spending capacity are improving. Some assess that the consumer sector remains robust despite the Trump administration's tariff pressures on China.