Consumer confidence plunged in February to a record low as concerns about jobs, income and the economy considerably worsened, according to the monthly Conference Board index reported Tuesday. The February consumer confidence index fell to 25 from a downwardly revised 37.4 in January. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected a February reading of 35. "Looking ahead, increasing concerns about business conditions, employment and earnings have further sapped confidence," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board's Consumer Research Center. "All in all, not only do consumers feel overall economic conditions have grown more dire, but just as disconcerting, they anticipate no improvement in conditions over the next six months."

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