UM’s Consumer Sentiment Index Rose In August, Inflation Expectations Softened

Ah, the effects of falling gasoline prices. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index rose moderately to 55.1 from July’s 51.5 and the record low of 50 recorded in June, in the preliminary August reading. It was a 7% improvement. The Expectations Index improved even more, jumping to 54.9 in August, up from July’s 47.3,…