Consumer Sentiment Gauge Rises

[Stocks-to-Watch]

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment gauge, which tracks consumers’ views on personal finance and consumption, reached*74 in its preliminary reading for January, up from 69.9 in December, the highest level since May 2011.

Economists*polled by MarketWatch were expecting a reading of 73, given higher stock prices and improving employment trends, but the results still lag far behind pre-recessionary levels that averaged 87. The data serves as an indicator of consumer spending patterns.



Original Article Source by Barrons.com