Consumer sentiment hits 14-month high

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

A measure of U.S. consumer confidence reached its highest level since July 2013, led by greater optimism that the economy will grow and incomes will rise.

The University of Michigan said Friday that its index of consumer sentiment rose to 84.6 in September from 82.5 in August. That’s the second-highest level in the past seven years, although the index rarely has topped 85 since the Great Recession. Before the downturn, it typically stood above 90.