The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined again in September to 103.0 (1985=100), down from an upwardly revised 108.7 in August. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—rose slightly to 147.1 (1985=100) from 146.7. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—declined to 73.7 (1985=100) in September, after falling to 83.3 in August. Expectations fell back below 80—the level that historically signals a recession within the next year. Consumer fears of an impending ... (full story)