By Geoffrey Smith
Investing.com -- Consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved in the latest month, while fears of lasting inflation appeared to ease, according to a closely-watched survey published Friday.
The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment index rose from 58.2 to 59.5, a five-month high, as the extended fall in gasoline prices relieved the pressure on American wallets.
The survey also showed expectations of inflation easing in the medium term. The survey's inflation expectations over the next five years fell to 2.8% from 2.9% a month ago, despite a modest rise in near-term inflation expectations. That suggests that the majority of U.S. consumers still expect the Federal Reserve to bring inflation down from its current 40-year high.