Consumer pessimism continues in September

Consumers' confidence remained weak in September after dropping to a post-recession low during the month before.

A survey shows that Americans who were worried in August because of a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt, wild stock markets swings and other concerns, continue to be spooked.

The Conference Board, a private research group, said Tuesday its Consumer Confidence Index was at 45.4 in September. The number is slightly above the revised reading in August of 45.2, which was the lowest since April 2009. A reading above 90 indicates the economy is on solid footing.

"The pessimism that shrouded consumers last month has spilled over into September," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Economists, who watch the index closely because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity, say it will take at least a year for consumer confidence to significantly improve. Consumers also don't feel good about their prospects. Those claiming jobs are "hard to get" increased from 48.5 percent to 50 percent in The Conference Board's survey.-- AP