Hamilton Place Strategies and CivicScience reported that the Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) continued to rise in the latter half of December, finishing the year with a two-week moving average of 46.3. This reading is the fifth consecutive rise in the two-week moving average since the government shutdown and brings the ESI back to levels not seen since July. 

For more on the latest ESI number, visit http://hps-civicscience.com.