Consumer Sentiment Slips in April

A closely watched gauge of U.S. consumer sentiment continued to decline in April, the latest evidence of growing caution about the economy's momentum.

The University of Michigan final consumer-sentiment index for April, released on Friday, was 89.0, down from March's final reading of 91.0.

A preliminary April reading of 89.7 was announced in mid-April. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected a final April reading of 90.0.

It was the fourth consecutive month that the headline sentiment index declined.