NEW YORK - The University of Michigan's preliminary March consumer sentiment index reading was 68.2, compared to the final February 77.5, the preliminary February 75.1 and the final January 74.2 reading, according to market sources.
Economists polled by Thomson Reuters had predicted a 76.5 reading for the index.
The expectations index was 58.3, compared to 71.6 in February, 67.6 earlier in February, and 69.3 in January.
The current conditions index was 83.6, compared to 86.9 in February, 86.8 earlier in February, and 81.8 in January.
The five-year inflation expectation index was 3.2%, compared to 2.9% in February, and 2.9% in January, while the one-year inflation expectation index was 4.6%, compared to 3.4% in February, and 3.4% in January.
The University of Michigan index is not released to the press, but only to paying subscribers.
