Consumer Sentiment Surges Higher in May

Ann Arbor, MI, May 17, 2013 -- U.S. consumer sentiment surged in early May to the highest level in nearly six years, according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey.

The index rose to 83.7 from 76.4 in April, ahead of economists' expectations for a reading of 78. It was the highest reading since July of 2007.

The measure of current economic conditions rose to 97.5 from 89.9, the highest since October 2007, while the measure of consumer expectations rose to 74.8 from 67.8.