Consumers' outlook brightens in May

Consumer sentiment improved this month, with rising public confidence that the government will act to support growth, according to a report released on Wednesday by Australia-based Westpac Banking Corp and Market News International.

The Westpac MNI China Consumer Sentiment Indicator increased to 121.2 in May from 117.3 in April as personal finance and job conditions picked up, a marked improvement from the lull seen in the previous three months, the report said.

A reading above 100 indicates increasing optimism, while one below 100 signals increasing pessimism.