Consumer Sentiment Edges Down in March

Ann Arbor, MI, March 14, 2014 -- Consumer sentiment declined to an early March reading of 79.9 from a final February level of 81.6, according to the University of Michigan and Thomson Reuters.

It was the lowest reading since November.

Economists had expected a March reading of 80.8.

The index for consumer expectations for future growth dipped to 69.4 in March from 72.7.

However, the gauge of current economic conditions rose to 96.1 from 95.4 in February, with a slight improvement in current personal finances.

"Overall, consumers continued to demonstrate their resilience in the face of a long and harsh winter, and have not recognized any implications for the domestic economy from the Russian incursion into Ukraine," survey director Richard Curtin said in a press releae.