U.S. CONSUMER SENTIMENT PICKS UP IN FEBRUARY The University of Michigan’s preliminary February consumer sentiment index rose to 57.3, beating expectations of 55.0 (January final: 56.4). • Current conditions: 58.3 vs. 55.4 in January (consensus 54.9) • Expectations: 56.6 vs. 57.0 in January (consensus 56.7) • 1-year inflation outlook: 3.5% (down from 4.0%) • 5-year inflation outlook: 3.4% (up slightly from 3.3%) Sentiment gains were driven by improved perceptions of current conditions and easing near-term inflation expectations.(*Walter Bloomberg)