US consumer sentiment eased in August but remained stronger than economists anticipated, according to data released by the Conference Board on Tuesday. The headline Consumer Confidence Index fell to 97.4, down from a revised 98.7 in July, yet comfortably above the consensus forecast that ranged around 96.2–96.5. Details of the survey showed limited deterioration in current conditions: the Present Situation gauge slipped to 131.2 from a revised 131.5. Consumers’ six-month outlook was little changed, with the Expectations measure edging up to 74.8 from 74.4, though it remained well below the 80 threshold historically associated with recession risk.