Katrina, gas prices batter U.S. consumer confidence

U.S. consumer confidence has suffered its largest single-month drop in 15 years — a powerful sign that the post-hurricane energy price spike has made Americans edgy. The U.S. Conference Board reported yesterday that its bellwether consumer confidence gauge fell 20 points in September to 86.6, the lowest reading in nearly two years.
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Economist Adrienne Warren of Scotia Capital said all eyes will be on U.S. consumer spending in the months ahead as people brace for “sky-high” heating costs this winter.
Globe and Mail