ANN ARBOR - Consumer sentiment surged in October, reaching its highest level since the start of 2004, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. This was only the second time that the Sentiment Index was above 100.0 since the end of the record 1990s expansion. The October gain was due to the most
ANN ARBOR - The continued strength in consumer sentiment has been due to optimistic views on three critical components: higher incomes and wealth, more favorable job prospects, and low inflation expectations. All of these factors, however, have been influenced by partisanship, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Democrats expect an imminent recession,
ANN ARBOR - Consumers were a bit less optimistic in August than one month or even one year ago, although consumer confidence remains at a reasonably high level, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Less favorable personal financial prospects were largely offset by a slight improvement in the outlook for the overall
