US DATA: Oct Conference Bd consumer confidence fell to 39.8 (well
below expectations) vs 46.4 Sept. Survey cutoff date was Oct 13. Present
situation 26.3 vs 33.3 in a 6th drop; Expectations 48.7 vs 55.1. Conf Bd
says there are concerns about business conditions, the labor mkt, and
income prospects. Jobs Plentiful 3.4 vs 5.6, and Jobs Hard to Get 47.1
vs 49.4; Jobs Not So Plentiful (the middle category) 49.5 vs 45.0. Those
expecting incomes to rise went to 10.3 vs 13.5 in Sept. Spending plans
fell for autos and homes but jumped for appliances and vacations. 1y
inflation expectation is 5.8%. Confidence fell across age groups and
fell in higher-income households, and fell most in the Atlantic and West
regions.