US consumer sentiment slumped in early February to a seven-month low on a spike in short-term inflation expectations related to concerns about tariffs.

U.S. consumer sentiment dropped unexpectedly in February to a seven-month low and inflation expectations rocketed as households feared it may be too late to avoid the negative effects on their purchasing power from President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs.

US consumer confidence weakened in early February, hitting a seven-month low as concerns over inflation and tariffs grew. The University of Michigan’s preliminary sentiment index fell to 67.8, down 3.