Consumer Sentiment Highest Since September

Ann Arbor, MI, May 1, 2009--Consumer sentiment rose in April, but remained at relatively low levels.

The consumer sentiment index  released Friday by the University of Michigan and Reuters rose to 65.1 from 57.3 in March. In mid-April the estimate was 61.9.

Economists were looking for a final April result of 62. The index hit a 28-year low of 55.3 in November. The April result is the highest since September 2008, indicating the rallying stocks and a possible bottom for the recession may be perking up consumers.