简体中文
繁體中文
English
Pусский
日本語
ภาษาไทย
Tiếng Việt
Bahasa Indonesia
Español
हिन्दी
Filippiiniläinen
Français
Deutsch
Português
Türkçe
한국어
العربية
Abstract:U.S. consumer sentiment extends its recovery in February, rising for the fourth consecutive month and reaching its best level since January 2022, a sign that a hard landing may be avoided.
CONSUMER SENTIMENT KEY POINTS:
Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter
Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team
Subscribe to Newsletter
A popular gauge of U.S. consumer attitudes extended it recovery in February, rising for the fourth consecutive month and reaching its best level since January 2022, a sign that U.S. households are gradually becoming a bit more optimistic about the economic outlook.
According to preliminary results from the University of Michigan, its consumer confidence index edged up to 66.4 from 64.9 previously, moderately above expectations calling for an advance to 65.00, with the boost in morale likely linked to a strong labor market and easing inflationary forces in the economy.
For most of 2022, the surging cost of living was a major source of consternation for American families, but cooling price pressures are providing some respite by increasing real incomes or at least by preventing further erosion of purchasing power.
Delving into todays report, the current economic conditions index soared to 72.6 from 68.4 at the start of the year, whereas the expectations indicator inched down to 62.3 from 62.7. For its part, one-year inflation expectations surprisingly halted its descent, climbing to 4.2% from 3.9%, while the five-year measure was stood pat at 2.9%.
CONSUMER SENTIMENT CHART
Source: TradingEconomics
Immediately after the survey data crossed the wires, the S&P 500 whipsawed in search of direction, but eventually managed to erase the session's early morning losses and moved into positive territory, albeit modestly. The improved confidence readings are a positive sign for future consumption, the main driver of U.S. GDP, suggesting that household spending could remain stable in the coming months. This may keep the economy afloat and prevent a recession, a welcome development for corporate earnigs.
On the flip side, sticky inflation expectations, coupled with resilient demand, could lead the Fed to continue to raise borrowing costs in upcoming FOMC meetings, pushing the terminal rate well above 5.00% in the effort to restore price stability. This scenario could become a headwind for risk assets, effectively capping the 2023 rally on Wall Street.
S&P 500 FIVE-MINUTE CHART
Source: TradingView
Disclaimer:
The views in this article only represent the author's personal views, and do not constitute investment advice on this platform. This platform does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information in the article, and will not be liable for any loss caused by the use of or reliance on the information in the article.