Econintersect: The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index preliminary report for January came in at 72.7, a disappointing decline from the 74.5 of the final report for November. According to Briefing.com, the consensus expectation was for an increase to 75.5.Other recent reports from the Conference Board and the National Federation of Small Business have also shown sentiment and confidence numbers at or near the levels seen at the bottom of previous recessions.
Sources: Retail Sails.com, NFIB news release and Doug Short (of dshort.com) writing at Global Economic Intersection.
