Economics
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Rises, Still Below Pre-Virus Level
- Current-conditions gauge falls while expectations rise
- Partisan gap remains wide between Democrats, Republicans
Photographer: Peter Foley/Bloomberg
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U.S. consumer sentiment ticked up in early October to a seven-month high on an improved economic outlook, though confidence remained well below pre-pandemic levels.
The University of Michigan’s preliminary sentiment index for October advanced to 81.2 from a final September reading of 80.4, according to data released Friday. The median estimate from economists surveyed by Bloomberg was for 80.5; the index was at 101 in February, near the highest since 2004.