Consumer sentiment decreased in April, according to the University of Florida's most recent consumer survey. The reading—a decrease of 3.5 points, to 90.6—is the lowest since last October. To measure consumer sentiment, telephone surveyors ask approximately 500 Florida residents each month whether they are better or worse off financially compared to the previous year, whether they think it is a good time to make a major purchase and more. "Both short- and long-run outlooks on the U.S. economy showed signs of deterioration," according to a report on the results. "Expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next year decreased 3.3 points to 86.2, while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years dropped 5.1 points, from 90 to 84.9."