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March 31, 2006 10:00 AM, EST

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.S. consumer sentiment rose in March, according to the University of Michigan’s monthly survey results released Friday.

The index rose to 88.9 from 86.7 in February. The March figure was higher than a preliminary reading of 87.4 issued in mid-March.

The expectations index, which often foreshadows consumer spending, rose to 76 from 74.5 in February.

he current conditions index, which reflects consumers’ attitudes on whether it’s a good time to buy big-ticket items, also increased, rising to 109.1 from 105.6 a month earlier.