Consumer Confidence in U.S. Eases for First Time This Year

U.S. consumer confidence declined in March for the first time this year on tempered optimism about the outlook for the economy, according to figures Tuesday from the New York-based Conference Board.

The softening in March reflected smaller shares of respondents who expect better business conditions, higher incomes and more job availability in the next six months. Fewer also said they anticipate stock prices will be higher in the year ahead.