US consumer sentiment declined in June by less than initially estimated on expectations inflationary pressures will moderate. The University of Michigan’s final June index eased less than a point to 68.2, according to figures released Friday. The preliminary June reading was 65.6. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a final reading of 66. Consumers expect prices will climb at an annual rate of 3% over the next year, down from the 3.3% expected in May and the lowest in three months. They see costs also rising 3% over the next five to 10 years. The late-month improvement in sentiment ... (full story)