Consumer Sentiment Jumps as Stocks Rise, Though Link to Economy is Unclear
• Consumer sentiment has suddenly improved, catching up to the reality of lower inflation and low unemployment
• There has been a sharp uptick in positive perceptions of the economy in University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey
• The stock market may be influencing more positive economic perceptions
• Stock prices seem to impact how people view the overall economy
• The relationship between the stock market and consumer sentiment warrants examination, even though stocks don't necessarily reflect economic fundamentals