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Consumer confidence declined in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

The final index for the month fell to a 68.2 reading from 68.9 in August.

Economists had predicted the figure would drop to 67, Bloomberg reported. The preliminary reading, released last month, was 66.6.

An improvement in confidence may increase consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of the economy.