Consumer sentiment in the U.S. has unexpectedly improved in the month of April, according to a report released by the University of Michigan on Thursday.
The report said the consumer sentiment index rose to 98.0 in April from 96.9 in March. Economists had expected the index to edge down to 96.6.
"Consumer sentiment inched upward in early April mainly due to more favorable views of current economic conditions," said Richard Curtin, the survey's chief economist.
The current economic conditions index reached its highest level since 2000, climbing to 115.2 in April from 113.2 in March.
The index of consumer expectations showed a more modest increase, inching up to 86.9 in April from 86.5 in the previous month.
On the inflation front, one-year and five-year inflation expectations in April were both unchanged from the previous month at 2.5 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.