July Consumer Confidence Index: 50.4 vs. 50.8 expected and 52.9 prior. Present situation 26.1, vs. 25.5 prior. Expectations 66.6 vs. 71.2 prior. "Consumer confidence faded further in July as consumers continue to grow increasingly more pessimistic about the short-term outlook... retailers are very likely to face a challenging back-to-school season.”