US consumer sentiment falls for second consecutive month

(Sharecast News) - US consumer sentiment deteriorated in September, according to revised figures from the University of Michigan, with the headline index falling to its lowest level since May. The sentiment index was revised to 55.1, down from a preliminary reading of 55.4 and August's print of 58.2, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. The expectations gauge slipped to 51.7 from 51.8, while the current conditions sub-index was revised lower to 60.4 from 61.2.

Inflation expectations eased slightly, with the year-ahead figure revised down to 4.7% from 4.8%, and the five-year outlook trimmed to 3.7% from 3.9%.

Sentiment weakened across all age, income, and education groups, as well as all five index components. However, the survey noted steadiness among wealthier stockholders and improved views from Democrat respondents, while sentiment among independents and Republicans declined.

Respondents cited elevated prices, softer labour market conditions, and weaker personal financial outlooks as key concerns, with 44% highlighting inflationary pressures.



Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com