U.S. consumer sentiment figures for February came in higher than expected despite the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index came in at 100.9 for February. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected February consumer sentiment to come in at 99.5. Consumers’ assessment of current economic conditions were virtually unchanged from January while expectations rose slightly. “Current personal finances as well as evaluations of the national economy each posted large gains,” said Richard Curtin, chief economist for the Surveys of Consumers, in a statement. “Net gains in ... (full story)