By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Consumer sentiment fell to a final May reading of 81.9 from a final April level of 84.1, according to Friday reports on a gauge from the University of Michigan and Thomson Reuters. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a final May level of 82.5, compared with a preliminary reading for the month of 81.8. Economists watch sentiment levels to get a feeling for the direction of consumer spending.
