The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index is a widely recognized survey of consumer confidence in the U.S. economy. It is conducted by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center and provides insight into consumer attitudes and expectations about the economy, inflation, and personal finances. The survey is conducted monthly and includes around 500 telephone interviews with U.S. consumers. The index is widely followed by economists, policymakers, and investors as a leading indicator of consumer spending, which is a major component of the U.S. economy.