American Consumer Sentiment Falters

By Agence France-Presse U.S. consumer sentiment faltered in early March, a survey by the University of Michigan showed March 12. A consumer sentiment index compiled from the survey eased 0.3 point from February to 94.1 points, disappointing analysts who had expected at least some improvement after a slump in February. People's hopes for the future of the economy deflated, with the expectations index falling to 86.6 points from 88.5. Perceptions of present activity brightened, with the current conditions index up to 105.7 from 103.6. Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2004