Consumer sentiment up more than forecast in April: survey

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- US consumer sentiment rose in April to 76.4 from 76.2 in March, a final reading of a survey by the University of Michigan/Thomson Reuters revealed Friday.

Economists polled by MarketWatch expected a final reading of 75.7 in April -- matching a preliminary estimate for the month.

The sentiment gauge, which covers how consumers view their personal finances as well as business and buying conditions, averaged about 87 in the year before the most recent recession.

Economists watch sentiment data to get a feel for the direction of consumer spending. High gas prices and stock-market volatility have been weighing on consumers in recent months.

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