Wall Street Journal (05/01/15) Eric Morath

Consumer optimism rose in April, signalling the potential for stronger economic growth after a lackluster first quarter. The University of Michigan’s final April sentiment index increased to 95.9 from a final March reading of 93.0. The most recent reading was the second highest since 2007.

“Consumer sentiment remains positive,” says BNP Paribas economist Laura Rosner. Sentiment readings and growing disposable income “are important factors behind our forecast for a bounce” in second-quarter consumer spending, she says.

Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had forecast the final April index would increase slightly to 96.0 from the preliminary reading of 95.9.