U.S. consumer sentiment fell month-over-month in March, a survey released on Friday showed, though the reading was better than expected.
The University of Michigan’s final March reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment came in at 93, topping both the preliminary read of 91.2 as well as the median forecast of analysts polled by Reuters, which was for a reading of 92.
However, it was below the final February reading of 95.4.
Meanwhile, despite the UM survey results, U.S. economic growth slowed sharply in the fourth quarter more than previously estimated, with businesses pulling back on inventory and equipment investment. It was only consumer spending estimates that curtailed a further slowdown in the pace of growth.
Gross domestic product expanded at a 2.2 percent annual rate, according to the Commerce Department report on Friday. The economy grew at a 5 percent rate in the third quarter.
