By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. consumer sentiment rose in early May, according to media reports on Friday of the Reuters/University of Michigan index. The consumer sentiment index rose to 73.3 in May from 72.2 in April. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected the sentiment index to hit 73.5 in May. The index's long-term average is 87. Consumers have been concerned that the economy's recovery will be slow and have little impact on their personal finances.
