Consumer Sentiment Released On 3/27/2015 10:00:00
Post# of 63699
Released On 3/27/2015 10:00:00 AM For Mar, 2015
Prior Consensus Consensus Range
Sentiment Index - Level 91.2 92.1 91.0 to 95.0
Recent History Of This Indicator
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index for the first read on March fell very sharply to 91.2, down 4.2 points from final February for the lowest reading since November. Sentiment peaked at 98.2 in mid-month January which was the highest reading in 8 years. The two components of the headline index both show weakness, at 103.0 for a 3.9 point decline for current conditions and at 83.7 for a 4.3 point decline for expectations. The decline in current conditions points to weakness for consumer spending this month relative to February while the decline in expectations points to a falling off in confidence for the jobs outlook.
Definition
The University of Michigan's Consumer Survey Center questions 500 households each month on their financial conditions and attitudes about the economy. Consumer sentiment is directly related to the strength of consumer spending. Consumer confidence and consumer sentiment are two ways of talking about consumer attitudes. Among economic reports, consumer sentiment refers to the Michigan survey while consumer confidence refers to The Conference Board's survey. Preliminary estimates for a month are released at mid-month. Final estimates for a month are released near the end of the month.