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Consumer sentiment levels took an unexpected jump higher as of the middle of April.

The Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index for April came in at 61.9, after standing at 57.3 in March. It had been expected to come in at 57.5. The increase was likely tied to robust gains in stock markets and increasing evidence that the worst of the economy’s slide into recession may be over.

Wachovia chief economist John Silvia said the report suggests “better times ahead.”

In the report, the preliminary consumer conditions index was 66.6, versus 63.3 the prior month, while the expectations index was 58.9, from March’s 53.5.

The one-year outlook for inflation deteriorated to 3%, from 2% in March, while the five year inflation outlook stood at 2.7%, from 2.6% the month before.