The final reading for the April Reuters/Michigan index of consumer sentiment came in at 71.8 compared to a preliminary reading of 71.0 and the March final reading of 89.1. That was the lowest reading since December 2011.

Economists had forecast the index to be revised down to 68.0.

According to the report, the index of the current economic conditions tumbled 28.4 percent m-o-m to 74.3 from March's final reading of 103.7.

Meanwhile, the index of consumer expectations plunged 12.0 percent m-o-m to 70.1 from March's final reading of 79.7.

Richard Curtin, the Surveys of Consumers chief economist, noted: "In the weeks ahead, as several states reopen their economies, more information will reach consumers about how reopening could cause a resurgence in coronavirus infections. Consumers' reactions to relaxing restrictions will be critical, either putting further pressure on states to reopen their economies, or exerting added pressure to extend the restrictions even if it has negative consequences for economic prospects."