Your Economy (No Politics)

[Bullwinkle]

Consumer sentiment improves further in December
Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:55 AM ET


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer sentiment ended stronger in December and better than analysts' expectations, bolstered by falling energy prices, a report showed on Friday.

The University of Michigan's final December index of consumer sentiment rose to 91.5 from November's final reading of 81.6, and a preliminary reading of 88.7 in early December, according to sources who saw the subscription-only report.

Wall Street economists polled by Reuters on average had predicted the December reading to finish at 89.0.

The survey's expectations gauge rose to 80.2 in late December from 69.6 in late November, and 77.3 in early December.

The index of current conditions climbed to 109.1 from 100.2 at the end of November and 106.6 earlier this month.

Confidence measures are often used as a gauge of future spending patterns. Consumer spending makes up roughly two-thirds of overall U.S. economic activity, and is seen as an indication of strength or weakness in economic growth.


© Reuters 2005