Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index: More Upside Surprise

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index final report for May came in at 74.3, an unexpected improvement over both the April final of 69.8 and the May preliminary reading of 72.4. The Briefing.comconsensus expectation had been for 72.4 and Briefing.com's own forecast was for 72.6. The rise in gasoline prices, often a drag on sentiment, hasn't taken a toll on the mood of the consumer.See the chart below for a long-term perspective...

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Gasoline Prices Erode Incomes, Spending

May 27th, 2011 (0) Posted By SocheaWASHINGTON (Reuters) – The economy remained sluggish early in the second quarter as high gasoline prices crimped consumer spending and bad weather helped push pending home sales to a seven-month low in April.Consumer spending increased 0.4 percent for a 10th straight month of gains, the Commerce Department said on Friday, after rising 0.5 percent in March.But prices rose 0.3 percent, leaving spending up...

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The U.S. Postal Service Nears Collapse

     Delivery of first-class mail is falling at a staggering rate. Facing insolvency, can the USPS reinvent itself like European services have—or will it implode?By Devin Leonard        Phillip Herr looks like many of the men who toil deep within the federal government. He wears blue suits. He keeps his graying hair and mustache neatly trimmed. He has an inoffensively earnest manner. He also has heavy bags...

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