Haver Analytics
Haver Analytics
Global| Nov 24 2004

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Faded Late Month

Summary

Though the November reading of Consumer Sentiment from the University of Michigan rose to 92.8, that was lower than the mid-month reading of 95.5 and indicated that Sentiment faded as the month progressed. Consensus expectations for a [...]


Though the November reading of Consumer Sentiment from the University of Michigan rose to 92.8, that was lower than the mid-month reading of 95.5 and indicated that Sentiment faded as the month progressed. Consensus expectations for a reading of 96.0 were disappointed.

During the last ten years there has been a 75% correlation between the level of consumer sentiment and the y/y change in real PCE.

The consumer expectations index rose 1.7% m/m (-3.3% y/y) and the current economic conditions index rose 0.7% (2.1% y/y), both off from the mid-month pace

Consumer sentiment amongst families earning more than $50,000 per year rose m/m but was down 2.0% y/y. Sentiment amongst families earning less than $50,000 per year fell m/m and fell 1.3% y/y.

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.

"Consumer Sentiment and the Media" from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco can be found here.

University of Michigan Nov Oct Y/Y 2003 2002 2001
Consumer Sentiment 92.8 91.7 -1.0% 87.6 89.6 89.2
   Current Conditions 104.7 104.0 2.1% 97.2 97.5 100.1
   Consumer Expectations 85.2 83.8 -3.3% 81.4 84.6 82.3
  • Prior to joining Haver Analytics in 2000, Mr. Moeller worked as the Economist at Chancellor Capital Management from 1985 to 1999. There, he developed comprehensive economic forecasts and interpreted economic data for equity and fixed income portfolio managers. Also at Chancellor, Mr. Moeller worked as an equity analyst and was responsible for researching and rating companies in the economically sensitive automobile and housing industries for investment in Chancellor’s equity portfolio.   Prior to joining Chancellor, Mr. Moeller was an Economist at Citibank from 1979 to 1984.   He also analyzed pricing behavior in the metals industry for the Council on Wage and Price Stability in Washington, D.C.   In 1999, Mr. Moeller received the award for most accurate forecast from the Forecasters' Club of New York. From 1990 to 1992 he was President of the New York Association for Business Economists.   Mr. Moeller earned an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University, where he graduated in 1987. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from George Washington University.

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