Consumer Sentiment, Leading Indicators Improve

Consumer sentiment improved in April, according to the University of Michigan gauge released Friday. The index rose to 95.9, up from 93 in March and the MarketWatch-compiled economist forecast of 93.5. Separately, the Conference Board said leading indicators rose 0.2% in March. "Although the leading economic index still points to a moderate expansion in economic activity, its slowing growth rate over recent months suggests weaker growth may be ahead," said Ataman Ozyildirim, Economist at The Conference Board, in a statement.