U.S. stocks were lower on Friday after data showed consumer sentiment unexpectedly worsened in early April on a grim outlook for income and jobs.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> eased 26.45 points, or 0.24 percent, to 11,118.12. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was off 6.88 points, or 0.57 percent, to 1,204.79. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 16.11 points, or 0.64 percent, to 2,499.58.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)