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U.S. Consumer Comfort Regains Some Ground After Shutdown Ends

Feb 07 2019, 2:45 PMFeb 07 2019, 5:56 PMFebruary 07 2019, 2:45 PMFebruary 07 2019, 5:56 PM

(Bloomberg) -- A measure of U.S. consumer sentiment improved for the first time in five weeks as political tension in Washington eased after the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose to 58.2 last week from 57.4, according to a report Thursday. A measure of ratings about personal finances climbed to a seven-week high, while gauges of the buying climate and national economy also posted gains.

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The comfort gauge rose in three of four regions, with the Midwest index rising to the highest since 2000 and the West posting a decline.
Sentiment among Democrats declined to its lowest level since September, while the reading for Republicans dropped and the level for independents increased.
Comfort for those ages 35 to 44 fell for a third week as other age groups showed gains.