Consumer Sentiment Jumps to 7-Month High, Near-Term Inflation Expectations Jump

Consumer sentiment hit a seven-month high in December, with expectations for near-term inflation rising and long-term lowering.

Shoppers look for deals on 'Black Friday' at a shopping mall located in Temecula, Calif., on Nov 29, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Consumer sentiment climbed to its highest level in seven months in December, driven by improved perceptions of current economic conditions, according to preliminary data from the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers.

The survey, released on Dec. 6, showed that overall consumer sentiment rose 3.1 percent from November, to a reading of 74.0 at the beginning of December, marking the fifth consecutive month of increases and the highest level since April.