US consumer confidence dropped in January to its lowest level since November 2011, as Americans were more cynical about their financial prospects amid a struggling economy, according to a Conference Board report released on Tuesday.
The report presented by the industry group think tank said that the index dropped to 58.6 from 66.7 in December.
Experts had predicted the index to land on 64 in December.
The drop in consumer outlook has been attributed to dissatisfaction with the fiscal cliff negotiations, employment market and expectations of inflation.
“The increase in the payroll tax has undoubtedly dampened consumers’ spirits and it may take a while for confidence to rebound and consumers to recover from their initial paycheck shock,” said Conference Board’s director Lynn Franco.
In the aftermath of the so-called “fiscal cliff” fallout, Washington raised taxes for many Americans and a number of budget decisions still remain open, plunging the US back into recession.
GMA/JR
Source Article from http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/01/30/286370/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-year-low/
Views: 0