Consumer Sentiment Ticks Up in March

Ann Arbor, MI, March 27, 2009–A consumer sentiment index rose in late March to 57.3 from 56.3 in February, according to a media report of a survey released Friday by the University of Michigan and Reuters.

Analysts were looking for a final March reading of 57.2. A reading earlier in the month estimated sentiment at 56.6.

Despite the index’s gain, it remains at relatively low levels as mounting job losses and depleted investments weigh down consumers.