Consumer Sentiment Improves

Consumers were a little more upbeat about their finances and economic prospects this month than in August, judging from a University of Michigan study.

The preliminary index of consumer sentiment for September rose to 106.8 from 104.4 last month, people with access to the study said.

The index, based on 100 set in 1966, provides a glimpse of how comfortable Americans are with their finances and the state of the economy.

The university’s preliminary index of current economic conditions rose slightly to 110.8 from 110.7 in August. Economic growth expectations also rose this month, the survey found.