Consumer Sentiment Keeps Falling

New York, NY, Feb. 24, 2009--Consumer sentiment fell more than expected in February, to the lowest level since its 1967 inception, the Conference Board said.

The business research group said its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 25 in February from a revised reading of 37.4 in January. The index, which has been at historic lows since September, now stands at its lowest level since it was created.

Economists were expecting a reading of 35.

Looking ahead, the index's measure of future expectations about consumer sentiment declined to 27.5 in February from a reading of 42.5 the month before.

"All in all, not only do consumers feel overall economic conditions have grown more dire, but just as disconcerting, they anticipate no improvement in conditions over the next six months," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center, in a written statement.