Consumer sentiment rose more than expected in July, with the Consumer Confidence Index climbing to 97.2, driven by improved expectations for business conditions, employment, and income. The Expectations Index also rose to 74.4, marking the highest reading since January. While current conditions were little changed, consumers' twelve-month inflation expectations edged down to 5.8 percent. Spending plans were mixed, with intentions to purchase homes or cars decreasing but plans for electronics ticking up. The report noted that confidence gains were broadly shared, with improvements in sentiment among Republican-leaning respondents and stable sentiment among Democrats and independents.