US Consumer Sentiment Stays Subdued as Budget Concerns Linger

US consumer sentiment rose in December by less than expected, remaining depressed amid lingering affordability concerns.

The University of Michigan’s final December sentiment index climbed 1.9 points to 52.9, according to a report released Friday. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a reading of 53.5.

“Despite some signs of improvement to close out the year, sentiment remains nearly 30% below December 2024, as pocketbook issues continue to dominate consumer views of the economy,” Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, said in a statement.

The current conditions gauge slid to a record-low of 50.4, while ...