Those expectations could soften in later readings, given recent events including political turmoil in the wake of violence in Charlottesville, Va.

The University of Michigan said its preliminary reading on overall consumer sentiment during August was 97.6, up from 93.4 in July. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected an August figure of 94.5.

An index that tracks expectations about the future rose to 89.0 in August from 80.5 in the previous month. An index tracking confidence in the current economic situation fell to 111.0 from 113.4 in July.

Economic data offer signs that consumption growth could remain strong in the coming months. Sales at U.S. retailers rose 0.6 percent in July, the biggest monthly gain since December, the Commerce Department said.

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