Consumer sentiment continues to experience its fair share of volatility. After climbing higher in June, the index declined in July as Americans are still having trouble believing in the current economy. According to Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s final reading, consumer sentiment fell to 81.8 last month, compared to a preliminary reading of 81.3 and a final June reading of 82.5. The results were slightly better than expected. On average, economists expected the index to climb to 81.5 this month. The consumer gauge has only posted two monthly gains this year, which occurred in April and June. In fact, April ... (full story)