Consumer sentiment advanced last week, after hovering close to the lowest level of the year, on more favorable views of personal finances, the economy and buying climate, according to figures from the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Oct. 13.

Consumer confidence rose in September for the first time in four months as Americans grew more upbeat about the prospects for incomes and persistent low inflation.

Consumer spending was little changed in August as income growth cooled, pointing to a softening in consumption after a run of strong gains.

Consumer confidence fell during the week that began Sept. 12 to the lowest point since mid-December as Americans’ views of their financial situations and the buying climate deteriorated, according to figures from the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Sept. 22.

The cost of living in the United States rose more than projected in August on higher shelter and health-care prices, indicating that inflation continues to move toward the Federal Reserve’s goal.

Consumer sentiment in September held at the lowest level since April, as people became more optimistic about the economic outlook but less sanguine about their incomes and buying plans.

Americans’ moods steadied last week after a slight pullback as household finances improved and consumers felt better about making purchases, according to the weekly Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Sept. 8.

American consumer sentiment reversed course last week after climbing to the highest level since April 2015, weighed down by less favorable views of the economy, the buying climate and household finances, the weekly Bloomberg News Consumer Comfort Index showed Sept. 1.

Consumer spending advanced for a fourth straight month in July, bolstered by stronger income gains, sending the biggest part of the U.S. economy to a solid third-quarter start, Commerce Department figures showed Aug. 29 in Washington.

American consumers grew more upbeat last week than at any other time since April 2015, signaling robust spending will continue amid favorable views of the buying climate and household finances, the weekly Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Aug. 25.