GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence fell five points to 68 in March, reflecting growing pessimism about the national economy in the midst of the housing and credit crisis, a new University of Florida study reports.
The overall index is two points below its January level, which then marked its worst record in 16 years, said Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center at the Bureau of Economic and Business Research. In February, it rose three points to 73 before dropping in March.
“Consumer confidence is now the lowest it has been since December of 1991, when it hit a record low of 64,” he said.
More on this topic:
U.S. consumer confidence is lowest since '03 - Orlando Sentinel - March 26, 2008
Americans' Confidence In Economy Plunges - Tampa Tribune - March 26, 2008