Consumer-sentiment index rises in August

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch)
A survey of consumers about their view of the U.S. economy improved in August, according to a report issued Friday
The University of Michigan-Thomson Reuters' consumer-sentiment gauge rose to 74.3 in August, compared with initial reading of 73.6
Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected the index to edge up to 73.8 from 72.3 in July The sentiment gauge asks consumers about their own financial situation as well as consumer and business conditions
The index averaged about 87 in the year before the 2007-2009 recession