Consumer sentiment was the highest since March's 87.7 percent after the victory in the war.

That was the lowest since it began tracking consumer sentiment in 1967.

There may be a possibility that "open is always better" does not really reflect consumer sentiments.

Market researchers say they are picking up a broad change in consumer sentiment about personal debt.

Nevertheless, consumer sentiment was close to record highs, the commission said.

Such searches, he said, help the company stay abreast of consumer sentiments.

A slump in the property market and continued high oil prices could turn consumer sentiment around, economists said.

To shore up consumer sentiment, some economists said the Fed needs to take more aggressive action.

A preliminary reading of consumer sentiment rose to 87 from 84.2 in November, its second consecutive monthly increase.

Treasury securities prices fell when a report showed consumer sentiment was stronger than had been expected.