Ann Arbor, MI, December 23, 2005-- Consumer sentiment ended stronger in December and better than analysts' expectations, bolstered by falling energy prices, a report showed on Friday.
The University of Michigan's final December index of consumer sentiment rose to 91.5 from November's final reading of 81.6, and a preliminary reading of 85.5 in early December, according to sources who saw the subscription-only report.
Economists were expecting December reading to finish at 89.0.
The survey's expectations gauge rose to 80.2 in late December from 69.6 in late November, and 77.3 in early December.
The index of current conditions climbed to 109.1 from 100.2 at the end of November and 106.6 earlier this month.
