Michigan Survey: U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves In May

By Agence France-Presse Sentiment among U.S. consumers improved marginally in May, a survey by the University of Michigan showed May 31. The university's consumer sentiment index, compiled from survey answers, rose to 96.9 points in the final May reading from 93.0 in the final April reading. The result surprised economists, who had been tipping a figure of 95.5 points. Results of the consumer sentiment survey were provided by market sources. The report is issued only to subscribers. Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2002