Consumer confidence continues to falter

A survey from Ohio-based BIGresearch indicates consumer confidence in the economy declined in June for the third consecutive month to 36.1 percent, almost three points below May (38.7 percent) and a 10 point drop from June 2005 (46.3 percent). The report suggests that the dip in confidence is not entirely attributable to the situation overseas, with fewer than one in five of those surveyed saying they've been worried more about political and national security issues. But almost half of consumers say they've been focused on needs over wants, about even with May, and an almost five point increase from this time last year (45 percent).