Americans' confidence in US economy fell this month as Iran conflict sent gas prices back up

Americans’ confidence in the U.S. economy slipped in July, as gas prices climbed again amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. The Conference Board reported its consumer confidence index fell to 90.8 from 92.2 in June. The reading for consumers’ view of current business and labor market conditions dropped 3.6 points to 114.9, marking a third straight monthly decline, while near-term future views held roughly steady at 74.7. Gas was about $4.10 a gallon Tuesday, up from around $3.70 in June. The Board noted write-in mentions of gas prices and food and groceries rose, and it expects war and geopolitics references to increase in future surveys.