U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly improved in August following increased jitters earlier this summer.
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary August index of consumer sentiment increased to 73.6, from 72.3 the prior month. This was the highest level since May, defying market expectations for a reading of 72.2.
The index had edged lower in June and July.
The current economic conditions index climbed to 87.6 from 82.7, but the survey's measure of consumer expectations slipped to 64.5 from 65.6, indicating consumers expect to be thrifty in the coming months.
Earlier in the week, Commerce Department figures showed U.S. retail sales rebounded by more than expected in the month of July. Sales were up 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted level of $403.9 billion.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.