US near-term inflation expectations fell to the lowest level since early 2021 in September while sentiment eased. Consumers expect prices will climb at an annual rate of 3.2% over the next year, down from 3.5% in August, according to the final September reading from the University of Michigan. They see costs rising 2.8% over the next five to 10 years, the lowest in a year, data Friday showed. Even so, the sentiment index fell to 68.1 from 69.5 in August. Respondents were relatively more pessimistic about current conditions compared to the prior month, while their expectations improved somewhat. While consumer ... (full story)