Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Fell to Three-Month Low in April

[Purveyor]

By Lorraine Woellert - Apr 26, 2013
Confidence among consumers fell in April to a three-month low as Americans grew more pessimistic about the outlook for the economy.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment declined less than forecast, to 76.4 from 78.6 a month earlier. The median projection in a Bloomberg survey was 73.5 after a preliminary April reading of 72.3.

The figures indicate consumer spending may cool after climbing in the first quarter by the most since the end of 2010 and slow the pace of economic growth. Safeway Inc. (SWY) is among companies noting that shoppers, faced with higher payroll taxes and limited job growth, remain cost-conscious even as rebounding home prices help stabilize household wealth.

“We are seeing slightly softer growth but on the other hand household wealth looks pretty good,” Gus Faucher, senior economist at PNC Financial Services Group in Pittsburgh, said before the report. “The economy is continuing to expand but we do have some drags.”

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2013-04-26/michigan-consumer-sentiment-fell-to-76-4-in-april-from-78-6.html

[Newest Reality]

1. We obviously need more

SENTIMENT!

Everybody start SENTIMENTING now. It's your fault! Ready?

Sentiment 2, 3, 4. Consume, damn you!

Doctor! A round of Prozac for everyone, please! It's on me.

Be happy and buy something today. We are counting on you.

Thanks!