University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment posted final January reading of 64.9, up from December's 59.7; improving assessments of personal finances, buying conditions for durables as price pressures eased

January 27, 2023 (press release) –

Final Results for January 2023

Read our November 18th report, Five Patterns in Consumer Responses to Inflation.
Next data release: Friday, February 10, 2023 for Preliminary February data at 10am ET
Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu
Consumer sentiment confirmed the preliminary January reading, remaining low from a historical perspective but continuing to lift for the second consecutive month, rising 9% above December and reaching about 3% below a year ago. While the short-run economic outlook was relatively unchanged from last month, all other components of the index increased in January. The current conditions index soared 15% above December, with improving assessments of both personal finances and buying conditions for durables, supported by strong incomes and easing price pressures. That said, there are considerable downside risks to sentiment, with two-thirds of consumers expecting an economic downturn during the next year. Notably, the debt ceiling debate looms ahead and could reverse the gains seen over the last several months; past debt ceiling crises in 2011 and 2013 prompted steep declines in consumer confidence.
Year-ahead inflation expectations receded for the fourth straight month, falling to 3.9% in January from 4.4% in December. The current reading is the lowest since April 2021 but remains well above the 2.3-3.0% range seen in the two years prior to the pandemic. Long-run inflation expectations remained at 2.9%, yet again staying within the narrow 2.9-3.1% range for 17 of the last 18 months and remaining elevated relative to the 2.2-2.6% range seen in the two years pre-pandemic. Consumers continued to exhibit considerable uncertainty over both long and short-term inflation expectations, indicating the tentative nature of any declines.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.