U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index Unexpectedly Rises to Six-Month High in February
Consumer sentiment in the U.S. has unexpectedly seen a continued improvement in February, according to preliminary data released by the University of Michigan on Friday.
The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index rose to 57.3 in February after jumping to 56.4 in January. Economists had expected the index to dip to 55.5. With the unexpected increase, the consumer sentiment index reached its highest level since hitting 58.2 in August 2025.
China’s Central Bank Buys Gold for 15th Consecutive Month
China’s central bank extended its gold buying spree for a 15th month in January, data from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) showed on Saturday. The country’s gold holdings rose to 74.19 million fine troy ounces by the end of January, up from 74.15 million the previous month.
The value of China’s gold reserves increased to $369.58 billion at the end of last month from $319.45 billion a month earlier, according to the PBOC.
US Consumer Credit Soars, Beating Expectations and Previous Records
In a surprising turn of events, the Consumer Credit index has reported a significant increase, far surpassing both forecasted and previous numbers. The actual figure stands at a staggering 24.05B, a number that has left many market watchers astonished.
The forecast for the Consumer Credit had been set at a relatively modest 9.00B. However, the actual figure has not only outdone this prediction but has more than doubled it, indicating a surge in the total value of outstanding consumer credit requiring installment payments.
World Food Prices Ease Further in January, United Nations’ FAO Says
World food prices fell for a fifth straight month in January, led by declines in dairy, sugar and meat products, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said on Friday.
The FAO’s food price index, which tracks monthly changes in a basket of internationally traded food commodities, averaged 113.29 points in January, down 0.4% from December and 0.6% from a year earlier. The index was 22.7% below its peak struck in March 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
German Industrial Recovery Still Tentative Despite Rising Exports
German exports rose more than expected in December thanks to a rise in shipments to the United States and China, but industrial output fell during the period, official data showed on Friday, highlighting continued uncertainty over recovery in Europe’s biggest economy.
German exports rose by 4.0% on the previous month in December, surpassing a forecast 1% increase in a Reuters poll.
UK Construction Downturn Eases at Start of 2026
The UK construction sector showed signs of recovery in January as the pace of decline eased considerably from December’s five-and-a-half year low, according to the latest S&P Global UK Construction PMI.
The headline index rose to 46.4 in January from 40.1 in December, marking the highest reading since June 2025. Despite remaining below the 50.0 no-change threshold for the thirteenth consecutive month, the data suggests the sector is moving away from the severe contraction seen in late 2025.
Source: HSL Prime Daily, 09 Feb 2026
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