How 2 US Consumer Confidence Surveys Differ

[elleng]

U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in May and is at the lowest level since January, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Conference Board.

The findings contradicted Friday's survey by Thompson Reuters/University of Michigan, which showed consumer sentiment at its highest level in four and a half years.

Neither is wrong, economists said. They were taken at different times during the month and were affected by a range of changes in the economy, including slower job growth, lower gas prices and volatility in the stock market.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/05/29/us/ap-us-consumer-confidence-glance.html?hp

-----------------------

So much for 'polls.'