U.S. Consumer Comfort Regains Some Ground After Shutdown Ends

A measure of U.S. consumer sentiment improved for the first time in five weeks as political tension in Washington eased after the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose to 58.2 last week from 57.4, according to a report Thursday. A measure of ratings about personal finances climbed to a seven-week high, while gauges of the buying climate and national economy also posted gains.