Americans Are Breathing a Little Easier. Here's What the Numbers Say — and What They Don't.

Consumer sentiment just hit a three-month high and mortgage rates fell for a third straight week. It's a thaw, not a spring.

By Clara Hughes

Two pieces of data landed this week that conservatives worried about the economy should read carefully. The University of Michigan’s preliminary November reading of consumer sentiment rose to 51.0, up 3 points, or 6.3%, from October and the highest in three months, Advisor Perspectives reported. Economists had expected 48.0, according to investingLive. And Freddie Mac said the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 7.18% for the week ending Nov. 5, down from 7.24% — the third straight weekly decline, Realtor.com reported. That is real movement in the right direction. It is also a long way from good. Keep reading with Altas Premium. Below: who is feeling better (and who isn’t), the inflation-expectations number the Fed is watching,