The University of Michigan’s final index of US consumer confidence rises, but less than expected. Orders for durable goods and sales of existing houses fell more than expected.    Bad news for the American economy is added to the downward revision of GDP in the first quarter more than expected. The University of Michigan’s final consumer confidence index rose to 92 in May from 88.4 in April. But it rose less than expected. The initial May estimate was 92.6 while analysts expected 92.5. The positive news is offset by the drastic reduction in durable goods orders, which in April fell by 5 percent to 184.74 billion dollars, against the 2.2 percent increase in March, revised from the previous +2 , 9 percent. Analysts had predicted a 2 percent decrease. Excluding the volatile component of transport, orders fell by 3.3 percent; in in particular, the most significant reduction occurred in the defense sector, which fell by 20.4 percent, of which 10.1 percent only for the aerospace and aeronautics division. The automotive and spare parts sector fell by 4.7 percent, compared to a jump of + 7.1% in March. Finally, computer and electronic equipment orders lost 8.8% against -2.4% in March. Negative data also on the real estate front. Existing home sales in April fell by 4.2 percent to an adjusted annual rate of 5.2 million units. This was announced by the National Association of Realtors. The fall is larger than analysts’ estimates (-2.6 percent). Year-on-year sales rose 4.4 percent. Sales in March were revised up 4.6% from the previous estimate of +4.8 percent.