By Ed FranklSentiment among U.S. consumers dipped a little in February, below preliminary estimates and expectations, though held much of the gains in confidence over recent months. The final reading of the consumer sentiment index dipped to 76.9 in February from 79.0 in January, according to data from a survey carried out by the University of Michigan released Friday. The reading was weaker than expectations of economists polled by The Wall Street Journal, which expected it to remain at its preliminary, mid-month reading of 79.6. While the index edged lower in February, it kept much of the improvement in sentiment seen over the past three months, according to survey director Joanne Hsu said. Write to Ed Frankl at edward.frankl@wsj.com(END) Dow Jones NewswiresMarch 01, 2024 10:43 ET (15:43 GMT)Copyright (c) 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Source: Wall Street Journal March 01, 2024 16:53 UTC