Ahead of the Bell: Consumer Sentiment |
|
|
|
Published
:
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:47
|
NEW YORK (AP) - Jittery investors on Friday will look to a University of Michigan report on consumer sentiment for preliminary information on consumer spending moods for the month.The market is forecasting a drop in the index to 89.0, according to Briefing.com, from a reading of 91.3 in February.The figures will be released at 10:00 a.m. EST.The index, which reached a two-year high in January, could be affected by recent market declines and jitters about the condition of the economy. The report monitors consumer willingness to spend money, and is considered a better indicator of mood versus actual spending habits.Investors are watching for signs of health or weakness in spending habits closely, as the condition of the overall economy remains unclear. Recent reports on retailing trends indicated weakness in the sector.Trading in equity markets has been erratic lately, as investors weigh information on a meltdown in the subprime mortgage industry and an ongoing housing market lag against robust corporate takeover activity and other signs about the economy.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
Bell Microproducts gets Nasdaq extension 