Consumer Sentiment Rises In March: Report

[Purveyor]

Source: MARKETWATCH

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- As Washington labors to revive the economy, a consumer sentiment index rose in late March to 57.3 from 56.3 in February, according to a survey released Friday by the University of Michigan and Reuters.

Despite the index's gain, it remains near record low levels as mounting job losses and depleted investments weigh down consumers. Analysts polled by MarketWatch were looking for a final March reading of 57.2. A reading earlier in the month estimated sentiment at 56.6.

"The good news is that the free fall in confidence has ended. The bad news is that consumers expect their financial situation to remain dismal for the rest of 2009," said Richard Curtin, director of the Reuters/University of the consumer survey.

Consumers were still planning to increase savings, despite the availability of discounts, according to the survey. Four-in-ten consumers reported intentions to increase savings.

"Overall, the data indicate that total real personal consumption spending is expected to decline by 1.9% in 2009, more than twice as steep as the worst annual decline since WWII," according to the survey results.

Read more: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/umich-consumer-sentiment-rises-march/story.aspx?guid={F5CF853B-9C7F-4D73-939B-C14232AF0D5E}&dist=google

[ShortnFiery]

1. No, I don't believe it. Propaganda. nt