The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was revised upward on Friday to 51.7 for August from 51.0 in the preliminary estimate, compared with expectations of no revision in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:25 am ET.
That was still below the final reading of 55.2 in July.
The current conditions index was revised slightly upward to 51.9 from a 51.8 preliminary estimate, below the 54.8 reading in July, while the expectations index was revised upward to 51.5 from 50.6. The index was 55.4 in July.
Respondents expected a 4% inflation rate over the next year, down from 4.2% in July and 3.3% annual inflation over the next five years, the same as in July.
The twice-monthly Michigan Sentiment index measures consumer sentiment early in the current month (the preliminary estimate) and is then revised later in the month (the final estimate).
The headline index is a combination of the current assessment and expectations for the near future. An increase in the reading suggests consumers are more confident, a positive for stocks if that confidence translates into spending.