NPD U.S. Economic Perception Indicator

Consumer research from Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD Group shows a sharp rise in concern over the economy in August.

The August 2011 NPD U.S. Economic Perception Indicator, a measure of consumer confidence, is down slightly to an index reading of 35.1 on a scale of 0 -- "very concerned" -- to 100 -- "very confident."

The August reading is down from 39.6 in July. A year ago, the perception indicator index was at 40.3.  

The NPD Group's U.S. Economic Perception Indicator measures consumer beliefs about the current and near-term state of the U.S. economy. 

Source: The NPD Group Inc./The Economy Tracker