NEW YORK, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 57.3 in February 2026, according to a preliminary reading released Friday by the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers, up from the final reading of 56.4 in January 2026.

The preliminary reading of the Current Economic Conditions Index rose to 58.3 in February, up from the final reading of 55.4 in January but below last February's 65.7. The Index of Consumer Expectations was 56.6, down slightly from the final reading of 57 in January and below last February's 64.

Though year-ahead inflation expectations fell from 4 percent in January to 3.5 percent in February, the lowest reading since January 2025, this month's reading still exceeds those seen in 2024.

Meanwhile, long-run inflation expectations inched up for the second straight month, from 3.3 percent in January to 3.4 percent in February.

"While sentiment is currently the highest since August 2025, recent monthly increases have been small ... and the overall level of sentiment remains very low from a historical perspective," said UM Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu. "Concerns about the erosion of personal finances from high prices and elevated risk of job loss continue to be widespread." ■