31.   Detroit automakers spent heavily on rebates and other incentives to entice buyers, even though the quarter was marked by low unemployment and inflation and buoyant consumer sentiment.

32.   Economists say consumer sentiment is better than during past economic downturns.

33.   Falling unemployment and buoyant consumer sentiment can fuel increased spending and result in shortages of workers and goods, driving wages and prices higher.

34.   For economists, trying to gauge these changes in consumer sentiment is no simple task.

35.   FRIDAY The University of Michigan releases its April index of consumer sentiment.

36.   FRIDAY The University of Michigan releases its index of consumer sentiment for December.

37.   FRIDAY The University of Michigan announces its index of consumer sentiment for August.

38.   FRIDAY The University of Michigan issues its index of consumer sentiment for June.

39.   General retailers such as Kingfisher Plc and clothing chains such as Next Plc and Austin Reed Group Plc have all posted higher earnings on the pickup in consumer sentiment.

40.   Given the unexpected decline in consumer confidence in August, anything that buoys consumer sentiment is regarded as a plus for the economic outlook.