Fewer Americans believe the job market will improve in the next six months,
according to a survey by the Conference Board.
The board surveyed 5,000 households in September to gauge consumer confidence.
Respondents anticipating the job market to improve in the next six months decreased
to 16.7 percent from 18.0 percent in August.
Those expecting fewer jobs to become available increased to 21.0 percent from
18.6 percent. Those anticipating an increase in their incomes fell to 18.6 percent
from 20.7 percent.
More Americans said jobs are harder to secure in current economic conditions, according to
the survey. Those reporting jobs are "hard to get" increased to 35.3 percent
from 34.1 percent. Those claiming jobs are "plentiful" retreated to 10.0 percent
from 11.3 percent in August.
"The lack of improvement in labor market conditions continues to dampen
consumers' spirits," says Lynn Franco, Director of the Conference Board's
Consumer Research Center.
