Consumer Sentiment Surges in Early December

Ann Arbor, MI, Dec. 11, 2009--Consumer sentiment improved markedly in early December, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan index.

The consumer sentiment index rose to 73.4 in early December from 67.4 in November, more than economists expected.

The consensus forecast was for sentiment to rise to 69.0.

The strong stock market and last week's better-than-expected job report were seen boosting consumer moods as the index returned to its highest level since September.