US Consumers’ Outlook on the US Economy has Deteriorated

US consumers are ‘in a deep funk’: What that means for the economy Alexandra SemenovaSat, February 12, 2022, 4:38 AM As concerns around inflation soar, American consumers’ outlook on the trajectory of the U.S. economy has deteriorated, worrying some experts that negative attitudes could dampen expenditure and put a dent in economic growth. The University of Michigan’s closely-watched consumer sentiment index fell to 61.7 in early February, hitting the lowest level since October 2011. January saw a reading of 67.2. Recent declines in the measure have been driven by weakening personal financial prospects amid rising inflation, less confidence in the government’s…