Consumer Sentiment Surges, Inflation Outlook Plunges as Tariff Fears Wane

‘Consumers’ fears about the potential impact of tariffs on future inflation have softened somewhat in June,’ a survey of consumers said.

Shoppers lug their Black Friday purchases at a mall in Hanover, Md., on Nov. 29, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Consumer sentiment registered a sizable shift this month as the public appeared to become more optimistic about the economy and less worried about inflation amid improving global trade conditions.

The University of Michigan’s preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index, released on June 13, surged to 60.5, up 16 percent from May and higher than the consensus forecast of 53.5. This was still down more than 11 percent from a year ago.