As Consumer Sentiment Surges, Are the Bad Vibes Healing?

It looks like ordinary Americans are finally starting to feel a little better about what economists say is a strong economy. Consumer sentiment surged in January, according to a widely-cited University of Michigan survey, which registered 78.8 in the first month of 2024 – up 21.4% from a year ago and the highest reading since July 2021. The survey previously showed a big jump in December, as well, and the two-month increase was the largest in over 30 years. Survey respondents reported a positive