By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The final University of Michigan-Thomson Reuters consumer sentiment gauge fell in December to a reading of 72.9 from 82.7 in November, reports said Friday. A preliminary reading for December pegged the level at 74.5. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a final December reading of 75 with concerns about the fiscal cliff more than offsetting lower gas prices and higher stock prices.
