Consumer Confidence Declines in September

Consumer confidence declined in September, the New York-based Conference Board said Sept. 24.

The group’s monthly index fell to a reading of 79.7 from 81.8 a month earlier, the group said.

The reading was below economists’ median forecast of a 79.9 reading, Bloomberg News reported.

An improvement in confidence may increase consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of the economy.