Preliminary data released by the University of Michigan on Friday unexpectedly showed a modest improvement in U.S. consumer sentiment in the month of July.
The report showed the consumer sentiment index inched up to 51.1 in July from a record low 50.0 in June. The uptick surprised economists, who had expected the index to edge down to 49.9.
The unexpected increase by the headline index came as the current economic conditions index climbed to 57.1 in July from 53.8 in June.
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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.