Consumer sentiment was essentially unchanged in February according to the preliminary report for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. The index inched up 0.6 points (0.8%) to 79.6 from the January final. The latest reading was below the forecast of 80.0. The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index is a monthly survey of consumer confidence levels in the U.S. with regards to the economy, personal finances, business conditions, and buying conditions, conducted by the University of Michigan. There are two reports released each month; a preliminary report released mid-month and a final report released at the end of the ... (full story)