Consumer sentiment surges 16% for 1st time this year

(CNN)– Americans appear to be feeling more hopeful about the economy.

A new survey released Friday, June 13, by the University of Michigan shows consumer sentiment surged 16% this month.

That’s the first increase since December.

The consumer opinion turnaround follows trade tensions that hit a fever pitch in April.

Still though, current sentiment is about 20% below December’s reading with much still unsettled.

The Trump Administration has brokered only a couple of notable trade deals with China and the U.K.