Consumer Expectations Hit a 35-Year low

Washington, DC, March 25, 2008--Consumer expectations hit a 35-year low in March, the Conference Board reported Tuesday.

The March consumer confidence index fell to 64.5 from a revised reading of 76.4 in February.

"Looking ahead, consumers' outlook for business conditions, the job market and their income prospects is quite pessimistic and suggests further weakening may be on the horizon," said Lynn Franco, director of consumer research at the private Conference Board.

The Conference Board's expectations index fell to 47.9 in March from 58.0 in February. Those expecting business conditions to deteriorate over the next six months rose to 25.4% in March from 21.6% in February.