More Decline in Consumer Sentiment

This post combines the latest results of the Rueters/University of Michigan Survey of Consumers, the Conference Board’s Index of CEO Confidence and the State Street Global Markets Index of Investor Confidence indicators into a combined presentation that will run twice monthly as preliminary data is firmed.

These three indicators should disclose a clear picture of the overall sense of confidence (or lack thereof) on the part of consumers, businesses and investors as the current recessionary period develops.

Friday’s early release of the Reuters/University of Michigan Survey of Consumers for August showed another unexpected decline in consumer sentiment with a reading of 63.2 only an slight increase of 0.32% above the level seen in August 2008.

The Index of Consumer Expectations (an important component of the Conference Board’s Index of Leading Economic Indicators) declined again to 62.1 resting just 7.25% above the result seen in August 2008.

As for the current circumstances, the Current Economic Conditions Index declined to 64 or 9.86% below the result seen in August 2008. link......