· During the last ten years there has been a 76% correlation between the level of consumer sentiment and the y/y change in real consumer spending and during those ten years sentiment has a 68% correlation with the change in nonfarm payrolls.

· Consumer expectations for the economy improved from the preliminary read but they still fell 2.4% for the second consecutive monthly decline. Business conditions during the next twelve months fell 6.3% (+1.0% y/y) and long term expected business cosnditions were unchanged for the second month (+10.2% y/y). Expected personal finances slipped for the second consecutive month (-3.9% y/y).

· The reading of current economic conditions actually improved 2.0%, about the same as in the preliminary report. Perceived buying conditions for large household goods rose 3.2% (-1.8% y/y) but perceptions of current personal finances were unchanged (0.0s% y/y).

· The reading of whether it's a good time to buy house fell m/m but remained up from the lows this past Summer.

· Expected inflation during the next year increased to 3.5% but for the next five years expected inflation fell to 3.4%. Since 1980 there has been an inverse 63% correlation between the level of sentiment and expected inflation during the next year.

· Consumers' opinion about gov't economic policy slipped m/m to just 89 versus a midmonth read of 86.

· The University of Michigan survey is not seasonally adjusted. The mid-month survey is based on telephone interviews with 250 households nationwide on personal finances and business and buying conditions. The survey is expanded to a total of 500 interviews at month end.

University of Michigan

Y/Y

2004

Consumer Sentiment

0.2%

95.2

   Current Conditions

-0.9%

105.6

   Expectations

1.2%

88.5