The Consumer Sentiment Index in the United States improved by 2.1% in January compared to the previous month, and reached 54.0, coming in above analysts' expectations, a preliminary report released by the University of Michigan showed on Friday. However, the figure plunged by 24.7% on an annual basis. The Current Economic Conditions Index jumped by 4% month-over-month to stand at 52.4 in January, dropping by 30.2% year-on-year. (full story)