U.S. Consumer Sentiment Rises to Six-Month High, Above Estimate

U.S. consumer sentiment jumped more than forecast in September to a six-month high as Americans grew more optimistic about the economy and their purchasing plans, according to a University of Michigan report Friday.

The optimism reflected recent financial gains, which were cited by 56 percent of households, just below the record of 57 percent reached in March this year and February 1998, the report said.