U.S. consumer sentiment ended stronger in December and better than analysts' expectations, helped by falling energy prices, the University of Michigan reported on Friday. The university's final December index of consumer sentiment rose to 91.5 from November's final reading of 81.6. Economists had predicted an improvement to 89.0. The survey's expectation index, which measures consumer optimism for the coming months, rose to 80.2 in December from 69.6 the previous month. The index of current conditions rose to 109.1 from 100.2 in November. Economists closely watch consumer confidence indexes for clues on consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of total U.S. economic activity and is seen as an indication of strength or weakness in economic growth.
