According to a 2012 Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey for consumer sentiment, the index improved from 76.4 in April to 77.8 May 2012, the highest rating since Jan. 2008. RVBusiness tells MHProNews.com the drop in energy prices reduced U.S. producer prices which also eased inflationary pressure. Nearly twice the respondents reported hearing of hiring news than job losses, but only one of four expects the unemployment rate to fall in the year ahead. Respondents buying plans for durable goods rose to the highest level in over a year.

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