Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Rises Higher Than Expected in Preliminary February Survey

10:11 AM EST, 02/06/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index rises to 57.3 in February from 56.4 in January, higher than expectations for a decrease to 55.0 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

This is the highest reading since August 2025, Michigan said.

The current conditions index rose to 58.3 in February from 55.4 in January, while the expectations reading fell to 56.6 from 57.0.

"Concerns about the erosion of personal finances from high prices and elevated risk of job loss continue to be widespread," Michigan said, adding that sentiment was highest for consumer with the largest stock portfolios.

Respondents saw one-year inflation expectations up 3.5%, slower than 4.0% in January, while five-year inflation expectations accelerated to 3.4% from 3.3%.

The twice-monthly Michigan Sentiment index measures consumer sentiment early in the current month (the preliminary estimate) and is then revised later in the month (the final estimate). The headline index is a combination of the current assessment and expectations for the near future.

An increase in the reading suggests consumers are more confident, a positive for stocks if that confidence translates into spending. Increased demand is usually inflationary, a negative for bonds.

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