Consumer Sentiment Falls Back in Early February

Ann Arbor, MI, Feb. 13, 2009--Consumer confidence fell in early February, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment.

The index fell to 56.2, from 61.2 in January. The drop is the first in three months and puts the index near a 28-year- low reached in November.

The longest recession since 1982 is taking its toll, prompting consumers to curtail spending.