The Consumer Confidence Index dived to 80.3 in
December from a revised 84.9 in November, according to data
from an influential business lobby group, the Conference
Board
The figure was in stark contrast to analysts'
forecasts of a slight rise to 85.5, and was the sixth fall
in the past seven months.
"The major factor dampening consumers' spirits has
been the rising unemployment rate and the discouraging job
outlook," said a Conference Board spokeswoman.