by Calculated Risk on 8/15/2014 09:55:00 AM

Click on graph for larger image.

The preliminary Reuters / University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for August was at 79.2, down from 81.8 in July.

This was the lowest reading since last November and below the consensus forecast of 82.3. Sentiment has generally been improving following the recession - with plenty of ups and downs - and a big spike down when Congress threatened to "not pay the bills" in 2011.