By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- A gauge of consumer sentiment fell to 63.7 in July -- the lowest level since March 2009 -- from 71.5 in June, according to media reports of the gauge from Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan released Friday. A preliminary reading for sentiment in July pegged the barometer at 63.8. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected a final July reading of 64.3. Washington's stalled debt negotiations and a tough employment environment have been taking a toll on consumer sentiment, analysts say. The sentiment reading, which covers how consumers view their personal finances as well as business and buying conditions, averaged about 87 in the year before the start of the most recent recession.
