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WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Consumer sentiment eroded for the fifth month in a row in May, according to researchers at the University of Michigan.

The consumer sentiment index fell to 85.3 in mid-May from 87.7 in April, according to media reports.

It's the lowest since March 2003.

The decrease was below the consensus forecast of Wall Street economists of 88.2.


The current conditions index fell to 103.3 in May from 104.4 in April, the lowest since December 2003.

The expectations index dropped to 73.7 in May from 77.0 in the previous month, the lowest since March 2003.

9:47am 05/13/05 U.S. MAY UMICH CONSUMER SENTIMENT 85.3 VS 87.7

9:48am 05/13/05 U.S. MAY. UMICH CURRENT CONDITION 103.3 VS 104.4
9:48am 05/13/05 U.S. MAY UMICH SENTIMENT BELOW CONSENSUS 88.2

9:50am 05/13/05 U.S. MAY UMICH EXPECTATIONS 73.7 VS. 77.0