Consumer Confidence Retreats in October

U.S. shoppers darkened their outlook in October, suggesting a bumpy road ahead for an economy largely reliant on consumer spending. The Conference Board, a private research group, said Tuesday its index of consumer confidence fell to 97.6 in October from a revised 102.6 in September. The initial September reading was 103.0. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected a reading of 102.8. "Despite the decline, consumers still rate current conditions favorably, but they do not anticipate the economy strengthening much in the near-term," said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at the board. Write to Anna Louie Sussman at anna.sussman@wsj.com