By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- A gauge of U.S. consumer sentiment rose to 74.2 in early December from 71.6 in November, according to media reports on Friday of the Reuters/University of Michigan index. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected a December result of 72.9. Despite the gain in December, the gauge is below pre-recession levels of more than 80. While there have been some signs of improvement in the economy, consumers remain concerned about jobs.
