ব্যঙ্গাত্মক বর্ণনা এবং ফরেক্সের প্রবেশদ্বার বিন্যাস

US consumer sentiment reaches five-month high

In July, consumer sentiment in the United States reached the highest level in the past five months. It seems the second month of summer turned out to be the hottest for the American economy. However, there is a fly in the ointment: consumer sentiment remains far below its historical average. The reason is prolonged concerns about the impact of large-scale American tariffs.

According to economists, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index reached 61.8 points for the month. This is higher than the May figure of 60.7 points and exceeds the forecasted 61.4 points.

In addition, for the second consecutive month, annual inflation expectations in the United States declined to 4.4% from the previous 5.0%. At the same time, the five-year figure fell to 3.6% from the previous 4.0%. Both indicators are the lowest since February 2025, although they still remain above the levels of December 2024.

"Consumers are unlikely to regain their confidence in the economy unless they feel assured that inflation is unlikely to worsen, for example, if trade policy stabilizes for the foreseeable future," Joanne Hsu, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, stated. In the analyst's opinion, the situation is currently stable, "since little evidence that other policy developments, including the recent passage of the tax and spending bill, moved the needle much on consumer sentiment."

Earlier, economists had warned that the White House leader's aggressive tariffs could increase inflationary pressure and harm economic activity. However, current reports reflected a different picture: the American economy remains resilient, and such measures cannot destabilize it.

On July 17, US retail sales figures exceeded expectations, and weekly jobless claims were lower than forecasts. At the same time, the inflation rate in June matched expectations, although American tariffs led to price increases for certain goods.

The key date of August 1 for the implementation of increased US duties is approaching, and the White House hints that new agreements with individual countries may be concluded before this deadline. At present, preliminary trade deals have been reached with several countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

As for other US trade partners, primarily Europe, no agreements have yet been reached. However, in order to avoid D. Trump's higher tariffs, European leaders will need to act quickly.

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