WASHINGTON, March 14 Reuters U.S. consumer sentiment and inflation expectations were little changed in March, a survey showed on Friday.

The University of Michigan39;s preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment came in at 76.5 this month, compared to a final reading of 76.9 in February. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a preliminary reading of 76.9.

Consumers perceived few signals that the economy is currently improving or deteriorating, said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu in a statement. Indeed, many are withholding judgment about the trajectory of the economy, particularly in the long term, pending the results of this November39;s election.

The survey39;s reading of oneyear inflation expectations were unchanged at 3.0 in March. The survey39;s fiveyear inflation outlook held steady at 2.9 for the fourth straight month.

Reporting By Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama

Source Reuters