Consumer sentiment drag on economy

WASHINGTON - Consumers are having second thoughts about the recovery.

A report released Friday showed that the index of consumer sentiment sank to 66.5 in early July, from 76, according to the twice-monthly survey by the University of Michigan and Reuters. That's the lowest point since August 2009.

The Consumer Price Index, the government's most closely watched inflation gauge, dipped 0.1 percent in June, the Labor Department said Friday. Lower energy bills were a big factor behind the drop. Prices for some food, airline fares, computers, phone service and personal-care products also fell in June. - AP