Econintersect: The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index preliminary report for February came in at 75.1, an improvement from last month’s 74.5 in the final report for January. On a relative scale, the Michigan number is stronger than the other two related indexes, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index and the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) Small Business Optimism Index.While both the Conference Boad and the NFIB metrics remain at levels last seen at the bottom of the double recessions of 1980-1982, the Michigan Sentiment number is clearly above those levels. The Michigan Index is still near or below levels seen at the bottoms of the more recent recessions of 1991-92 and 2001. Information from analyst Doug Short (dshort.com) was presented at GEI Analysis.
Sources: GEI Analysis and Reuters
