New numbers show consumers aren’t changing their feelings much about the economy compared to last month. The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers data came out Friday, and the Consumer Sentiment Index came in at 77.9%.
That measurement is down 1.9% from last month. The University considers that a small change, saying it shows consumers perceived few meaningful changes in the economy.
One area in which consumers have been paying close attention is in the cost of certain products most families buy. This week’s 3.5% year to year increase in the Consumer Price Index was pushed by higher costs for gas, housing and car insurance — but another place folks feel the pinch is in their regular trips to the grocery store.
“I went grocery shopping this morning and I spent 150 bucks,” said Hannah Cupples, a private chef and owner of For Chef’s Sake based in Colorado. “But I mean, that puts …