Consumer Sentiment Slightly Weaker

There's been very little impact on the U.S. consumer from global volatility and losses in the domestic stock market. The latest indication comes from the final reading of the consumer sentiment report which came in at 92.0, down from 93.3 at mid-month but down only a slight 6 tenths from final December. What weakness there is in the current conditions component, down 1.7 points from December to 106.4. Expectations are unchanged at 82.7. Price data are stable at low levels with 1-year expectations at 2.5 percent, down 1 tenth in the month, and the 5-year up 1 tenth at 2.7 percent.

Recent History Of This Indicator:
Consumer confidence measures have yet to pick up much concern over declines in stocks and volatility in the global markets. This includes the consumer sentiment index which came in at better-than-expected 93.3 in the January flash. The final reading for January isn't expected to show much change, at a consensus 93.0. Resiliency and patience in the consumer could be pointing to unexpected economic strength for the first quarter.