THE ECONOMY
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Consumer Confidence Rises, Survey Says: A closely watched measurement of American consumer confidence increased in mid-June, economists said, substantiating evidence that the recovery from recession is strengthening. The University of Michigan’s index of consumer sentiment registered 80.6 in a preliminary reading, up from 79.2 at the end of May, 77.2 for April and 76 for March. The Michigan survey measures consumer attitudes on a range of pocketbook issues.
