Consumer Sentiment Rises in May

New York, May 18, 2007--Consumer sentiment rose in May from an eight-month low increasing to 88.7 from 87.1 in April, according to the University of Michigan's preliminary index.

Theindex has averaged 88.1 since monthly data were first compiled in 1978.

Analysts had forecast a drop in the index to 86.2.

The expectations index rose to 79 this month from 75.9 in April.

The current current index fell to 103.8 from 104.6.

The preliminary Michigan sentiment index is based on a telephone survey of about 300 households. The final report for the month, due June 1, will reflect about 500 responses.