2007 U.S. Economic Events & Analysis
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Consumer Sentiment (p)
Definition
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 9/14/07 For Sep 2007
Sentiment Index - Level
 Actual 83.8  
 Previous 83.3  

Highlights
Consumer confidence appears to be stable according to the Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index which inched 4 tenths higher in its mid-month September reading to 83.8 vs. August's final reading of 83.4. The assessment of current conditions, an important sub-index for an indication on public reaction to the subprime mess, was little changed at 98.3 vs. 98.4 in August. These readings held in a narrow range between about 102 and 107 from July to September last year. Mid-month expectations improved slightly to 74.4 vs. 73.7. The steep climb in oil prices this month hasn't swayed inflation expectations which fell 1 tenth to 3.1 percent for the one-year outlook. But this reading may begin to climb once $80 oil begins making its way to the pump.

Today's results suggest that consumer attitudes are stable at slightly lower levels compared with the peace and quiet of July. The dollar edged higher in immediate reaction to the results with Treasuries and stocks showing no change.

Trends
[Chart] 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.)
Data Source: Haver Analytics

2007 Release Schedule
Released On: 1/19 2/16 3/16 4/13 5/18 6/15 7/13 8/17 9/14 10/12 11/9 12/7
Released For: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec


 
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