ECONOMY

Consumer Sentiment Slips: The University of Michigan reported that its index on consumer sentiment decreased to 92.1 at mid-March from 93.2 for all of February, according to market participants who saw the report, which is released only to subscribers. The index is composed of two parts: consumer sentiment on the future and current conditions. The index for consumer expectations rose to 84.9 in March from 83.5 in February. However, consumer sentiment on current economic conditions dropped to 103.4 from 108.3.