Haver Analytics
Haver Analytics
Global| Jan 27 2012

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves Further

Summary

The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment for the full month of January was 75.0, up from 74.0 at mid-month and from 69.9 in December. The latest figure was the highest since last February and better than Consensus [...]


The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment for the full month of January was 75.0, up from 74.0 at mid-month and from 69.9 in December. The latest figure was the highest since last February and better than Consensus expectations for 74.0. Consumers' expectations (69.1) rose to the highest level since February. The reading of current conditions (84.2) also was its highest since February. During the last ten years there has been a 59% correlation between the level of sentiment and the three-month change in real personal consumption.

The Reuters/University of Michigan survey data are not seasonally adjusted. The readings are based on telephone interviews with just- over 300 households. Data are in Haver's USECON database. The expectations figure is in Haver's AS1REPNA database.

University of Michigan
(Q1'66 = 100)
Jan Mid
Jan
Dec Nov Jan Y/Y 2011 2010 2009
Consumer Sentiment 75.0 74.0 69.9 64.1 1.1% 67.4 71.8 66.3
 Current Economic Conditions 84.2 82.6 79.6 77.6 2.9 79.1 80.9 69.6
 Consumer Expectations 69.1 68.4 63.6 55.4 -0.3 59.9 66.0 64.1
  • 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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