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April 13, 2006 10:00 AM, EDT

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.S. consumer sentiment has improved in April, according to the University of Michigan’s preliminary monthly index released Thursday.

The index rose to 89.2 from 88.9 in March, the survey said. The university will release its final April report at the end of the month.

The expectations index, which often foreshadows consumer spending, fell to 75.1 from 76 in March.

he current conditions index, which reflects consumers’ attitudes on whether it’s a good time to buy big-ticket items, rose to 111.1 from 109.1 the previous month.