Sentiment among US consumers leapt in early May, as people shrugged off Iraq war uncertainties, a survey by the University of Michigan reported today.
The sentiment index, calculated from a survey, shot up to 93.2 points in May from 86 in April, easily beating Wall Street economists' expectations for a minor improvement.
Sentiment is closely watched because it can sway consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of US economic activity.
AFP