Ann Arbor, July 16--Consumer sentiment improved in early July, supported by a relatively healthy jobs market and a fairly optimistic outlook on the world's largest economy, according to a survey released on Friday.
The University of Michigan's preliminary survey of consumer confidence for July showed its sentiment index rose to 96.0 from a final reading of 95.6 in June, according to sources who saw the subscription-only report.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a rise to 97.0, with increased optimism due to an improved employment picture and a generally healthy economy.
The expectations index rose to 90.4 in July from 88.5 in June.
The current conditions component increased to 104.6 from 106.7 in June.
