The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® deteriorated for the third consecutive month in April, retreating to 97.0 (1985=100) from a downwardly revised 103.1 in March. Despite these three months of weakness, the gauge continues to move sideways within a relatively narrow range that's largely held steady for more than two years. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—declined to 142.9 (1985=100) in April from a downwardly revised 146.8 in March. Meanwhile, the Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and ... (full story)