Consumer Sentiment Rises In September

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Consumer attitudes brightened in September, according to a closely watched survey.

An improved outlook helped bolster optimism, though the results indicated that consumers remain convinced that they will face a tough economic situation for some time.

The University of Michigan/Reuters consumer sentiment index rose to 70.2 for the mid-September reading. This was up from a mark of 65.7 for August.

The latest reading marks the first increase in the past 3 months.

The result came in better than economists had expected. Experts had seen an improvement as employers have eased their job cuts in recent weeks. But consumers showed even more optimism that had been anticipated.

The expectations index advanced to 69.2 for the mid-month September reading, compared to 65.0 in August.

The survey's index of consumers' 12-month economic outlook climbed to 79, up from 69 in August. This was its highest reading since September of 2007.

Consumer attitudes brightened in September, according to a closely watched survey. An improved outlook helped bolster optimism, though the results indicated that consumers remain convinced that they will face a tough economic situation for some time. The University of Michigan/Reuters consumer sentiment index rose to 70.2 for the mid-September reading. This was up from a mark of 65.7 for August. (Market News Provided by RTTNews)