The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® declined sharply in March, following an increase in February. The Index now stands at 120.0 (1985=100), down from 132.6 in February. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased from 169.3 to 167.7. The Expectations Index – based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – declined from 108.1 last month to 88.2 this month. "Consumer confidence declined sharply in March due to a deterioration in the short-term outlook," said Lynn Franco, Senior Director ... (full story)