by JustForex
On Friday, data from the University of Michigan showed the highest growth in consumer confidence since May 2013. Households gained support in the form of a third payment from the government for assistance during the pandemic. Higher-than-expected progress in vaccination also influenced sentiments.
The consumer sentiment index rose to 79.7 in March from 70.7 in February. The index of current conditions rose to 93, which is above the preliminary estimate of 91.5 and above the February one of 86.2. The inflation expectations for the year in advance fell to 3.1% from 3.3%, in line with preliminary data, but the five-year forecast rose to 2.8% from 2.7%.
At the same time, household spending declined and the core price index for personal consumption expenditure slowed down. Household spending decreased by 1.0% due to a 7.3% drop in income. According to the BEA, this is the largest drop in history, reflecting a decrease in government welfare benefits for people. Within the framework of state social allowance, “other” ones were reduced, in particular, payments to households that have an impact on the economy.
The core PCE price index in the United States, which excludes food and energy prices, decreased by 0.1% in comparison to the previous month. On an annualized basis, prices for basic commodities fell to 1.4%. This lowered expectations for the imminent curtailment of the Fed’s ultra-soft policy in some way, and against this background, the Treasury yield fell to 1.64%.
Oil prices declined amid news around the container ship Ever Given. According to the latest reports, the ship has been partially refloated which is the first step towards the unblocking of the Suez Canal. Brent oil decreased by 0.40% to $64.16 p/b. WTI decreased by 0.80% to $60.45 p/b.
Free Reports:
Get our Weekly Commitment of Traders Reports - See where the biggest traders (Hedge Funds and Commercial Hedgers) are positioned in the futures markets on a weekly basis.
Download Our Metatrader 4 Indicators – Put Our Free MetaTrader 4 Custom Indicators on your charts when you join our Weekly Newsletter
Main market quotes:
S&P 500 (F) 3,940.12 -24.63 (-0.62%)
Dow Jones 33,072.88 +453.40 (+1.39%)
DAX 14,770.10 +21.16 (+0.14%)
FTSE 100 6,713.45 -27.14 (-0.40%)
USD Index 92.875 +0.100 (+0.11%)
by JustForex
This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

- China has shifted to using its own strategic oil reserves Jun 9, 2026
- GBP/USD Remains Under Pressure Despite Attempts to Recover Jun 9, 2026
- SpaceX IPO: Set for $75 billion liftoff Jun 8, 2026
- On Friday, the American stock market experienced one of the strongest crashes in recent times Jun 8, 2026
- EUR/USD at April Lows: What’s Next for the Pair? Jun 8, 2026
- The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has reduced the geopolitical premium Jun 5, 2026
- EUR/USD: All Eyes on Non-Farm Payrolls Jun 5, 2026
- The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East put pressure on US and European stock indices Jun 4, 2026
- Gold Remains Under Pressure, but a Rebound Is Still Possible Jun 4, 2026
- Bitcoin drops below the psychological $70,000 level. The US stock indices hit new record highs Jun 3, 2026