October’s report offered a dismal array of data, including downwardly revised estimates for several previous months. More
Improvement in home prices and consumer confidence helped bring the rate back to a pre-bust level. More
However, sentiment has not been a clear indicator of actual spending for several months. More
Spurred by tax rebate stimulus and falling gas prices, the Reuters/University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment increased in early August, but not as much as expected. More
