The preliminary UMich Index of Consumer Sentiment edged up +1.6% MoM to 57.3 in February 2026 while remaining -11.4% YoY, showing modest improvement but still historically weak confidence.

• The headline sentiment index rose from 56.4 in January to 57.3 in February (+1.6% MoM), marking the highest level since August 2025, though gains were described as small and within the margin of error.

• The Current Economic Conditions Index increased to 58.3 (+5.2% MoM; -11.3% YoY), indicating improved views of present finances and buying conditions relative to January.

• The Index of Consumer Expectations slipped to 56.6 (-0.7% MoM; -11.6% YoY), reflecting a slight deterioration in outlook for longer-run business conditions.

• Overall sentiment remained about 20% below January 2025 levels, underscoring continued weakness compared with last year despite recent stabilization.

• Sentiment rose sharply among consumers with large stock portfolios but stagnated at very low levels for those without stock holdings, pointing to uneven confidence across wealth groups.

• Year-ahead inflation expectations declined to 3.5% (Jan: 4.0%), the lowest since January 2025, though still above pre-pandemic ranges.

• Long-run inflation expectations edged up to 3.4% (Jan: 3.3%), remaining above 2024 levels and well above readings seen in 2019 to 2020.