by Calculated Risk on 8/30/2013 09:55:00 AM

Click on graph for larger image.

The final Reuters / University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for August was at 82.1, down from the July reading of 85.1, but up from the preliminary August reading of 80.0.

This was above the consensus forecast of 80.0. Sentiment has generally been improving following the recession - with plenty of ups and downs - and one big spike down when Congress threatened to "not pay the bills" in 2011.  Unfortunately Congress is once again threatening to "not pay the bills" and that might impact sentiment (and consumer spending) late in September or in October.