ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A key index of US consumer sentiment fell to a preliminary June reading of 74.1 — the lowest level since December — from 79.3 in May, the University of Michigan-Thomson Reuters survey showed Friday.

Economists polled by MarketWatch expected a June reading of 77.8, with weak jobs data and stock market volatility more than offsetting lower gas prices.

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.

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