Consumer Sentiment Rises More Than Expected

Ann Arbor, MI, Aug. 31, 2012 -- Consumer sentiment improved in August, according to the University of Michigan-Thomson Reuters' consumer-sentiment survey.

The measure rose to 74.3 in August, compared with initial reading of 73.6.

Economists had expected the index to edge up to 73.8 from 72.3 in July.

The sentiment gauge asks consumers about their own financial situation as well as consumer and business conditions.

The index averaged about 87 before the 2007-2009 recession.