University of Michigan research sees consumer spending increasing in 2020. The Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 96.8 in November 2019, posting its third monthly increase, but remained slightly below last November’s 97.5. The Expectations Index rose slightly to 87.3 from last month’s 84.2 but remained below last year’s 88.1. The Current Conditions Index fell to […]

University of Michigan survey indicates tariffs impact confidence as consumer finance expectations weaken. The Consumer Sentiment Index posted its largest monthly decline in August 2019 (-8.6 points) since December 2012 (-9.8 points), according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The Consumer Sentiment Index was 89.8 in August 2019, well below July’s 98.4 and […]

The University of Michigan survey was up both on a month-over-month and year-over-year basis. Consumer confidence in July increased slightly during the month as consumers indicated positive job and income prospects remain though they are more cautious about home and auto purchases. The Index of Consumer Sentiment stood at 98.4 for the month of July, […]

Small rebound in confidence after end to government shutdown. Index below last year. The February bounce back in consumer sentiment following the end of the Federal shutdown was relatively small, according to the latest University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Aside from January’s depressed level due to the shutdown, sentiment was only lower in one […]

Outlook on overall economy declines. Experts say crisis effect on sentiment typically short lived. Consumer sentiment fell in January to its lowest level since Donald Trump was elected, according to the latest University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The Consumer Sentiment Index was 91.2 in the January 2019 survey, down from 98.3 in December and […]

While below month and year ago levels, sentiment for the year is highest since 2000. Greater certainty over jobs and incomes support vehicle and home purchases. Consumer sentiment remained at very favorable levels in October, according to the latest University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The Sentiment Index has been higher thus far in 2018 […]

Preliminary results for September 2018 from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers shows second largest rise since 2004, only behind March 2018 reading. Consumer sentiment posted a robust rise in early September, reaching 100.8, the second highest level since 2004-only behind the March 2018 reading of 101.4. According to the University of Michigan (UM) […]

Highest proportion of consumers indicated improvements in finances last month since 1998 According to the University of Michigan Survey of Consumer Sentiment, U.S. consumer sentiment remained quite favorable in February, at its second highest level since 2004. Consumers based their optimism on favorable assessments of jobs, wages, and higher after-tax pay. High consumer sentiment, coupled […]