US consumer sentiment rose to a five-month high in July on optimism about current conditions tied to a stock-market rally, while inflation expectations eased further. The survey showed the current conditions gauge rose to a six-month high of 68, while the expectations index slipped to 57.7... “A rise in sentiment among stock holders was partially offset by a decline among consumers who do not own stocks,’’ Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, said in a statement. Most notably, inflation expectations plunged. Consumers expect prices to rise at an annual rate of 3.4% over the next five to 10 years, the tamest since ... (full story)