Mubasher: Initial estimates by the University of Michigan indicated that the US consumer sentiment slightly grew virtual change during the first half of July.

The consumer sentiment index slightly rose to 98.4 points in early July, compared with 98.2 in June, a survey report by Michigan University showed on Friday.

Assessment of current economic conditions saw a slight decline, with the gauge falling to 111.1 points month-on-month in July, and it dropped by 2.9% from the reading for the corresponding period last year.

Expectation index inched up by 0.9% month-on-month to 90.1 points earlier this month from 89.3, while the index recorded a 3.2% year-on-year gain.

By 1:59 pm GMT, the US dollar index rose by 0.25% to 97.03.