By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The final reading for consumer sentiment in April rose to 76.4 from 76.2 in March, according to reports on a gauge released Friday by the University of Michigan/Thomson Reuters. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a final April reading of 75.7 - matching a preliminary reading for this month. The sentiment gauge, which covers how consumers view their personal finances as well as business and buying conditions, averaged about 87 in the year before the most recent recession. Economists watch sentiment data to get a feel for the direction of consumer spending. High gas prices and stock-market volatility have been weighing on consumers.
