Ann Arbor, MI, February 3, 2006-- The University of Michigan's final January index of consumer sentiment edged down to 91.2 from December's reading of 91.5.
The index fell back also from the 93.4 recorded in early January and broke a three-month streak of gains.
Economists were anticipating the index to rise to 93.0.
The survey's expectations gauge fell to 78.9 in January from 80.2 in late December. The index of current conditions rose to 110.3 from 109.1 at the end of December.
Confidence measures are often used as a gauge of future spending patterns. Consumer spending makes up roughly two-thirds of overall U.S. economic activity, and is seen as an indication of strength or weakness in economic growth.
