the US consumer confidence index for December rose less than expected, remaining sluggish due to ongoing affordability concerns. According to a report released on Friday, the University of Michigan's final consumer confidence index for December increased by 1.9 points to 52.9, with economists' median expectation at 53.5. "Although there were some signs of improvement at the end of the year, consumer confidence is still nearly 30% lower than December 2024, as economic conditions remain the primary concern for consumers," said survey leader Joanne Hsu. The current conditions index final value fell to a historic low of 50.4, while the expectations index rose to a four-month high. Consumers' views on the current state of purchasing big-ticket items deteriorated to the lowest level in history.