SOUR SENTIMENT

The preliminary February University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey rose to 57.3, a six-month high, but curb your enthusiasm. The long-run index average is 84.7, and 57.3 is at or below the levels that defined every recession dating back to 1953; twice there was no recession. As for the K-economy, the top third of income earners saw their sentiment rise to 66.5, the bottom third fell to 48.9.