AFP - US consumer confidence plunged in June amid growing concerns about jobs and the economy, with one gauge of future expectations hitting an all-time low, the Conference Board reported Tuesday.

AP - Oil futures ended an uneven session with a modest gain Tuesday as traders awaited news that could help the market break out of a trading range that has lasted for more than two weeks. Retail gas prices, meanwhile, slid below a national average of $4.07 a gallon.

Reuters - Stocks fell on Tuesday, on concerns about the economy after a report showed consumer confidence hit a 16-year low and as a profit warning from United Parcel Service stoked fears about corporate results.

AP - U.S. consumers are the gloomiest they've been since the tail end of the last prolonged recession. Inflation, sinking home values and soaring gas prices have pushed confidence to the lowest level since 1992. Consumers' view of the economic future has never been lower, raising worries that already weak consumer spending could deteriorate further.

AFP - The dollar weakened against other major currencies Tuesday in the face of downbeat economic news on US consumer confidence and the housing market, and as the US central bank was expected to keep interest rates unchanged.

AP - Wall Street ended an erratic session moderately lower Tuesday as concerns grew about the impact of high fuel costs on consumers and corporate profits. Treasury prices rose on the economic uncertainty.

Reuters - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said on Tuesday that the global economy was being strained by costly energy but said U.S. economic fundamentals were sound.

Reuters - Consumer confidence fell in June to its lowest in 16 years as high inflation continued to sap confidence and pushed expectations for the future to a record low, the Conference Board said on Tuesday.

Reuters - Stocks edged higher on Tuesday as investors looked for bargains among beaten-down financial shares and the price of oil slipped, offsetting a profit warning from United Parcel Service

AP - U.S. consumer confidence fell unexpectedly sharply in June, sinking to its lowest level in more than 16 years, according to a private industry group.

AFP - The dollar dipped against the euro Tuesday after weak US housing and consumer confidence readings appeared to dampen expectations the Federal Reserve will raise US interest rates in the coming months.

Reuters - Consumer sentiment slid to a 16-year low in June while house prices suffered record annual drops in April, according to data Tuesday that suggested a retrenchment in spending that will keep squelching economic growth.