U.S. consumers’ wallets hit by weak greenback

NEW YORK

A further drop in the U.S. dollar in 2008 could spell more trouble.

Dave Minucci listens to the chatter on Wall Street about the flagging dollar but doesn’t have to look far to cast his own assessment. A recent home-heating bill was $120 (U.S.) higher than at the same time last year.

But Mr. Minucci doesn’t blame lower temperatures. The chill he feels is from higher energy prices and a weaker currency.