Consumer sentiment index declines to 71.5 in June (by Ruth Mantell)
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- A gauge of consumer sentiment declined to 71.5 at the end of June from 74.3 in May, according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey released Friday. A preliminary June reading pegged sentiment at 71.8. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected a final reading of 72. The sentiment reading, which covers how consumers view their personal finances, as well as business and buying conditions, averaged about 87 in the year before the start of the most recent recession.