U.S. Consumer Confidence Dips in October

Americans took a dimmer view about the economy this month, the latest sign households have become a bit cautious in recent weeks.

The Conference Board said Tuesday its index of consumer confidence dropped to 98.6 in October from 103.5 in September. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal expected the index to fall to 101.2 in October.

Consumers' assessment of current conditions weakened over the month. Their outlook for the labor market was also less optimistic in October than a month earlier.