The University of Michigan's Consumer Survey Center questions 500 households each month on their financial conditions and attitudes about the economy. Consumer sentiment is directly related to the strength of consumer spending. Consumer confidence and consumer sentiment are two ways of talking about consumer attitudes. Among economic reports, consumer sentiment refers to the Michigan survey while consumer confidence refers to The Conference Board's survey. Why Investors Care
| Released on 2/16/07 For Feb 2007 | ||||||||||||
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Highlights
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index slipped back to 93.3 in its mid-month reading, down from 96.9 in January. The expectations and current conditions segments of the index dipped by roughly the same amount. Inflation expectations were unchanged at 3.0 percent. Despite the dip, the 93.3 level is still among the very strongest readings since mid-2004. The labor market, which remains sound, is really the key for confidence. Markets showed little initial reaction to the data. The Conference Board will offer the next major look at consumer confidence at month-end.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index has shown an improvement in consumer attitudes about the economy with a rise to 96.9 in January from 91.7 in December. Among sub-readings, expectations showed more improvement than current conditions, a sign pointing to rising confidence ahead. One-year inflation expectations edged higher but remain tame at 3.0 percent. Financial markets showed no initial reaction to the report.
Consumer sentiment index Consensus Forecast for preliminary February 07: 96.0
Range: 93.5 to 97.9
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Consumer sentiment is mainly affected by inflation and employment conditions. However, consumers are also impacted by current events such as bear & bull markets, geopolitical events such as war and terrorist attacks. Investors monitor consumer sentiment because it tends to have an impact on consumer spending over the long run (although not necessarily on a monthly basis.) |
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