1235 ET - Economists are fixated on consumer sentiment this week following the Conference Board's March survey released Tuesday and the final March University of Michigan numbers expected Friday. But a gloomy economic mood may not yet be translating into a weaker consumer economy, Stifel economists write. "While consumers are clearly reporting reservations amid ample 'uncertainty,' the latest uptick in retail activity suggests the average shopper may be vocalizing a higher level of concern than they are adjusting actual spending behaviors," Stifel writes. The bank notes that personal consumption is expected to climb 0.6% in February, adding to a healthy 5.6% increase over the past 12 months. A rise in February durable-goods spending, despite a forecast decline, is also a positive sign, Stifel says. (matt.grossman@wsj.com, @mattgrossman)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 26, 2025 12:35 ET (16:35 GMT)
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