sentiment index rose to 79.2 this month. that s the highest level in four months. those surveyed said they are upbeat about their personal finances, and most believe the unemployment will not rise further. also today, the commerce department reported retail sales jumped 0.9% in august. that s the largest increase since february. the gains come as consumers are spending more on cars and gasoline. the report showed that sales at different retailers were mixed and suggested only a modest increase in consumer spending this quarter. today s news comes just a day after the federal reserve stepped in once again to revive the economy, and ben bernanke s promise to help main street. how will main street americans do under q.e.3? joining us to answer that, robert brusca, chief economist at his own firm, fact and opinion economics. hi, bob. hi, susie. susan: all right, so, chairman bernanke says this latest round of stimulus is a to quote his words a main street policy. is it real
that s according to fresh data out today. they re feeling hopeful about their economic and job prospects. a new survey from thomson- reuters and the university of michigan shows the consumer sentiment index rose to 79.2 this month. that s the highest level in four months. those surveyed said they are upbeat about their personal finances, and most believe the unemployment will not rise further. also today, the commerce department reported retail sales jumped 0.9% in august. that s the largest increase since february. the gains come as consumers are spending more on cars and gasoline. the report showed that sales at different retailers were mixed and suggested only a modest increase in consumer spending this quarter. today s news comes just a day after the federal reserve stepped in once again to revive the economy, and ben bernanke s promise to help main street. how will main street americans do under q.e.3? joining us to answer that, robert brusca, chief economist at his own
they re feeling hopeful about their economic and job prospects. a new survey from thomson- reuters and the university of michigan shows the consumer sentiment index rose to 79.2 this month. that s the highest level in four months. those surveyed said they are upbeat about their personal finances, and most believe the unemployment will not rise further. also today, the commerce department reported retail sales jumped 0.9% in august. that s the largest increase since february. the gains come as consumers are spending more on cars and gasoline. the report showed that sales at different retailers were mixed and suggested only a modest increase in consumer spending this quarter. today s news comes just a day after the federal reserve stepped in once again to revive the economy, and ben bernanke s promise to help main street. how will main street americans do under q.e.3? joining us to answer that, robert brusca, chief economist at his own firm, fact and opinion economics. hi, bob.
captioning sponsored by bt with alleged ofits of over $2million, this case represents the largest hedge fund insider tradi case ever chargecriminally. pl: prosecutors say one of the world richest n was behind it all and he had helat some of the naon s biggest compies. sie: while the ecomy is showing grn shoots, it s still scary times for the u.s. consumer. at will it take to get spending going. some answers, comi up. aul: then, this small business owner hastrong credit and good track record. but he still cat get a loan to gw his business. an update on the state of sml business lendi from business owrs. sus: tonight s market monitor guest is a long-ter bull and he likeblue chips with gd yields. he s randall eley, predent of the edgalomax company. paul: i m paul kang. susie: d i m susie gharib. this is nightly business rort for friday, tober 16. nigly business report is made possible by: this proam was made possible by contributions to yo pbs station om viewers l
susie: while the economy is showing green shoots, it s still scary times for the u.s. consumer. what will it take to get spending going. some answers, coming up. paul: then, this small business owner has strong credit and a good track record. but he still can t get a loan to grow his business. an update on the state of small business lending from business owners. susie: tonight s market monitor guest is a long-term bull and he likes blue chips with good yields. he s randall eley, president of the edgar lomax company. paul: i m paul kangas. susie: and i m susie gharib. this is nightly business report for friday, october 16. nightly business report is made possible by: this program was made possible by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. susie: good evening everyone. one of wall street s richest hedge fund managers was arrested today in the largest-ever insider trading case involving hedge funds. the billionaire founder of galleon g