U.S. consumer sentiment rose in early June by more than expected on improved outlooks for the economy and moderating inflation expectations. The University of Michigan’s preliminary sentiment index increased to 86.4 from 82.9 in May, data released Friday showed. The figure came in above the median 84.2 in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Consumers expect inflation to rise 4% over the next year, down from 4.6% in the May survey. They expect prices over the next five years to increase 2.8%, compared to 3% last month. “Stronger growth in the national economy was anticipated, with an all-time record number of consumers ... (full story)