U.S. Consumer Sentiment Drops More Than Expected, Inflation Expectations Rise

RTTNews | 447 days ago
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Drops More Than Expected, Inflation Expectations Rise

(RTTNews) - Consumer sentiment in the U.S. has deteriorated by more than expected in the month of April, according to preliminary data released by the University of Michigan on Friday.

The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment fell to 77.9 in April from 79.4 in March. Economists had expected the index to edge down to 79.0.

The bigger than expected drop by the headline reflected a notable decline in consumers' assessment of current economic conditions, with the current economic conditions index sliding to 79.3 in April from 82.5 in March.

The index of consumer expectations showed a more modest decrease, edging down to 77.0 in April from 77.4 in March.

The report also said year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 3.1 percent in April from 2.9 percent in March, climbing just above the 2.3-3.0 percent range seen in the two years prior to the pandemic.

Long-run inflation expectations also increased to 3.0 percent in April from 2.8 percent in March, the University of Michigan said.

Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu said the uptick in inflation expectations reflects "some frustration that the inflation slowdown may have stalled."

"Overall, consumers are reserving judgment about the economy in light of the upcoming election, which, in the view of many consumers, could have a substantial impact on the trajectory of the economy," she added.

read more
U.S. Factory Orders Spike In Line With Estimates In May

U.S. Factory Orders Spike In Line With Estimates In May

New orders for U.S. manufactured goods saw a substantial rebound in the month of May, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Thursday. The Commerce Department factory orders spiked by 8.2 percent in May after plunging by a revised 3.9 percent in April. The sharp increase matched economist estimates.
RTTNews | 15h 36min ago
U.S. Service Sector Returns To Growth In June

U.S. Service Sector Returns To Growth In June

After reporting a slight contraction in U.S. service sector activity in the previous month, the Institute for Supply Management released a report on Thursday showing the service sector returned to growth in the month of June. The ISM said its services PMI rose to 50.8 in June from 49.9 in May, with a reading above 50 indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to inch up to 50.5.
RTTNews | 16h 6min ago
U.S. Trade Deficit Widens In May As Exports Slump

U.S. Trade Deficit Widens In May As Exports Slump

A report released by the Commerce Department on Thursday showed the U.S. trade deficit widened in the month of May amid a steep drop by the value of exports. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit climbed to $71.5 billion in May from a revised $60.3 billion in April. Economists had expected the trade deficit to increase to $71.0 billion.
RTTNews | 16h 23min ago
U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Edge Modestly Lower

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Edge Modestly Lower

The Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing an unexpected decrease by first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended June 28th. The report said initial jobless claims edged down to 233,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised level of 237,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to inch up to 240,000.
RTTNews | 16h 37min ago
U.S. Employment Jumps By 147,000 Jobs In June, More Than Expected

U.S. Employment Jumps By 147,000 Jobs In June, More Than Expected

A closely watched report released by the Labor Department on Thursday showed employment in the U.S. increased by more than expected in the month of June. The Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment shot up by 147,000 jobs in June after jumping by an upwardly revised 144,000 jobs in May. Economists had expected employment to climb by 110,000 jobs.
RTTNews | 17h 10min ago