Consumer Confidence Steady: Consumer confidence in the...

Consumer Confidence Steady: Consumer confidence in the economy leveled off in September for the second month in a row, retreating from a near-record high earlier in the summer, according to a monthly survey by the Conference Board. The survey indicated that consumers hold less favorable opinions about present economic conditions but are more optimistic about the immediate future. Confidence on job availability dropped in September, with 30% of participants saying jobs are plentiful, compared to 31.6 % in August and 33.1% in July. Consumer opinion regarding ongoing business conditions took a negative turn, with 26.8% saying business conditions are good, down from 27.5% in August and 31.6% in July.