US consumer confidence remains dark

US consumer confidence remained near its lowest level in two years in September, a key survey showed Tuesday, as politicians continued to battle over how to boost the economy and add jobs. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index edged up just slightly from its August level of 45.2, to 45.4. The figure had crashed in August, losing 14 points, leading to some speculation that it had been an aberration. But Tuesday's number showed that US consumers still remain deeply skeptical about the track of the economy. "The pessimism that shrouded consumers last month has spilled over into September," said Lynn Franco, research chief at the Conference Board. "Consumers expressed greater concern about their expected earnings, a sign that does not bode well for spending," Franco said. "In addition, consumers' assessment of current conditions declined for the fifth consecutive month, a sign that the economic environment remains weak."