Markets

Breakdown of the latest developments on the global exchanges
Aug 28, 2019, 12:00 PM GMT
#Economy

US Consumer Sentiment Index Fell to its Lowest Level Since January

The University of Michigan’s monthly index of Consumer Sentiment declined with 6.3 points from 98.4 in July to 92.1 in August, which is the lowest registered level since January 2019 when the index was recorded at 91.2. Moreover, while the index dipped markedly in January owing to Donald Trump's decision to shut down the US Federal Government for the bigger part of the month, the recent tumble is resulting from the created global trade uncertainties and fears of a recession.

The deteriorating consumer confidence is owing to rising fears of a new global recession, and the prolonged trade war between China and the US in addition to the FED’s recent decision to cut the interest rate are both perceived to support such a possibility.

“Monetary and trade policies have heightened consumer uncertainty—but not pessimism—about their future financial prospects. Consumers strongly reacted to the proposed September increase in tariffs on Chinese imports […]. Although the announced delay until Christmas postpones its negative impact on consumer prices, it still raises concerns about future price increases. The main takeaway for consumers from the first cut in interest rates in a decade was to increase apprehensions about a possible recession. Consumers concluded, following the Fed’s lead, that they may need to reduce spending in anticipation of a potential recession.” [source]

Meanwhile, the yield of the US 30-years Government Bond dipped to new lows today at 1.903 before correcting some of these losses by reverting to 1.936. The overall dim outlook on the US bond market is still perplexing analysts and market experts, as investors continue to withdraw their funds from the general economic circulation and put them into low-yield safe investments, which could impede the growth factor and ultimately lead to a new recession.