SECRETARY EVANS STATEMENT ON
IMPROVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
President Bush's Economic Growth Agenda
Helping Build Confidence in American Consumers

“Today’s rising consumer confidence data shows Americans feel our economy’s positive momentum. Improved consumer confidence means more Americans seeking work are able to find a job. Higher consumer confidence and strong housing starts in September are additional evidence that our economy is strengthening.”

(The latest University of Michigan sentiment survey released today showed a stronger than expected increase to 89.4 from 87.7 in September. Economists had expected a rise to 88.0. Housing starts also beat expectations, increasing 3.4% to 1.888 million in September. Economists had expected 1.827 million housing starts.)