by Calculated Risk on 9/27/2013 09:55:00 AM

Click on graph for larger image.

The final Reuters / University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for September was at 77.5, down from the August reading of 82.1, but up from the preliminary September reading of 76.8.

This was below the consensus forecast of 78.0. 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) in October.