The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final consumer sentiment index decreased to 91.0 in March from 91.7 in February, up from the preliminary estimate of 90.0 and beating expectations a fall to 90.5.

"Despite the recent small monthly variations, the overall level of confidence has remained largely unchanged during the past nine months," the Surveys of Consumers chief economist at the University of Michigan Richard Curtin.

"Consumers anticipated that the slower pace of economic growth will more than likely put an end to further declines in the unemployment rate. What was surprising was that the expectations of higher gas prices and higher unemployment have not caused an increase in uncertainty about personal financial prospects," he added.

The current economic conditions index fell to 105.6 in March from 106.8 in February, in line with the preliminary reading.

The index of consumer expectations declined to 81.5 in March from 81.9 in February, up from a preliminary reading of 80.0.

The one-year inflation expectations increased to 2.7% in March from 2.5% in February, in line with the preliminary reading.