USA Consumer Sentiment Rises to 13-Month Peak, Overcomes High Gasoline Prices

USA Consumer Sentiment: Thomson Reuters / University of Michigan


Index of Consumer Sentiment The Reuters / University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment in March 2012 increased +0.9 to 76.2, a 13-month high, and continues above the 2011 average of 67.4. The Index has increased 7 consecutive months and continues well above the dismal August low of 55.7, which was the lowest since the Great Recession low of 55.3 in November 2008 (and was also at 1980 recession levels). Consumers are more upbeat, but sentiment continues at historically lower levels. The USA federal government will need to continue more Bread and Circuses Policies to hold the gains and further increase fickle consumer sentiment. The index averaged 89 in the five years leading up to the Great Recession, that began Q3 2008 and ended in Q2 2009.

Consumer Sentiment Index by Month The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose in March 2012 to 76.2. The post-recession high has been 77.5 in February 2011. The post-recession low has been 55.7 in August 2011.



Consumer Sentiment Index by Year The Index of Consumer Sentiment averaged 67.4 in 2011. The 2012 average consumer sentiment of 75.5, a 5-year high, will smooth out as the year progresses and more months are added. The Great Recession cyclical low was 63.8 in 2008. The post-recession full-year peak has been 71.8 in 2010.