Bloomberg US consumer sentiment rises in early August to a three-month high on firmer expectations about economy and personal finances. Inflation expectations were mixed, with consumers boosting their longer-term views for prices slightly, while reducing their year-ahead outlook for costs. The University of Michigan’s preliminary sentiment index rose to 55.1 from 51.5 in July, data showed. Consumers expect prices …

  Bloomberg Mastercard Inc is facing pushback from retailers over a new product that allows customers to pay off their purchases in installments. The payments giant has begun telling merchants and their banks that it will charge retailers 3% of a purchase price each time a consumer opts to use the new program, according to people familiar with the matter. …

  Bloomberg The dollar’s best days might still be ahead of it. While the greenback has tumbled as riskier assets have rebounded and demand for havens has ebbed, there’s potential for renewed political and economic risks to rekindle its strength. Add to that a dire outlook for Europe and prospects for even more policy tightening by the Federal Reserve, and …