U.S. consumer confidence rose slightly in December, but overall sentiment remained cautious.

According to Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan's Consumer Survey, the consumer confidence index rose 2.3 points to 53.3 in early December, within the margin of error. This month's increase was primarily driven by younger consumers. While perceptions of the current situation remained largely unchanged, expectations improved—personal financial expectations rose 13%, with improvements across all age groups, income levels, educational backgrounds, and political affiliations. However, the personal financial expectations index in December was still nearly 12% lower than at the beginning of the year. Labor market expectations improved slightly but remained relatively weak. Consumers perceived some indicators as slightly better than in November, but overall sentiment remained cautious, with high price burdens continuing to be a major concern. Looking ahead, one-year inflation expectations fell to 4.1% in December from 4.5% in November, the lowest level since January 2025, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline. However, short-term inflation expectations remained higher than January's 3.3%. Long-term inflation expectations fell to 3.2% in December from 3.4% in November, unchanged from the January 2025 reading. (Golden Ten)