U.S, Feb. 20 -- A report released by the University of Michigan on Friday showed consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved by much less than previously estimated in the month of February.

The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index for February was downwardly revised to 56.6 from a preliminary reading of 57.3. Economists had expected the index to be unrevised.

With the unexpected downward revision, the consumer sentiment index is just above the January reading of 56.4 but still at its highest level in six months.

While the consumer sentiment index was little changed compared to the previous month, Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu noted "views vary considerably across the population."

"A sizable month-to-month in...