
The economy appears to be picking up more momentum, as consumer sentiment saw a marked gain amid a week of data releases that underscore renewed economic growth.
Today, the University of Michigan released its survey that showed the overall consumer sentiment index at 96.1, up from 90.7 in May. Bob Hughes, senior research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, called it โa nice rebound. Itโs a good sign for consumers.โ
The survey showed notable improvements in current conditions, as well as consumer expectations. The latter is an indicator in The Conference Boardโs Leading Economic Index, making it a credible barometer of future economic activity.
โItโs more evidence weโre getting out of that first quarter slump,โ Hughes said. That evidence also includes solid gains in personal income and consumer spending.
Thatโs on top of Tuesdayโs news from the Commerce Department, which reported that non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft rose 0.4 percent in May. โThatโs a positive indication of business investment spending,โ Hughes said.
Overall, new orders fell 1.8 percent, but that number includes the volatile aircraft industry. Non-defense aircraft fell 35 percent during the month, which Hughes said doesnโt speak to the health of the economy as a whole.
Share This Article

Post on Facebook

Post on X

Print Article

Email Article




