Consumer Sentiment Improves in Late April

Ann Arbor, MI, April 30, 2010--U.S. consumer sentiment edged higher in late April after sinking earlier in the month, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index.

The index rose to 72.2 from 69.5 in mid-April. Economists expected an increase to about 71. March's final reading was 73.6. The index has been largely unchanged since November. The long-term average is about 87.