Key Measure of Consumer Confidence Slips

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Key Indicator of Consumer Confidence Slips in December Amid Persistent Anxiety About Job Market

The Associated Press


NEW YORK Dec. 30 - A key measure of consumer sentiment slipped in December amid persistent anxiety about the job market, an industry group reported Tuesday.

The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 91.3, following a surge in November to a revised 92.5, its highest level in more than a year. The pullback had been expected, although the numbers released Tuesday were below expectations; analysts had forecast the index would come in at 92.2.

"Job worries continue," said Lynn Franco, research director for the private research group. "While consumers expect the job situation to improve in the months ahead, until a significant turnaround takes place, consumers' optimism about current-day conditions will continue to lag behind their expectations."

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Business/ap20031230_1077.html

[gristy]

1. DU discussion on related Krugman column

link

[gristy]

2. oops. Dupe.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=114&topic_id=4125