1.   Recession abroad has hit exports hard and though business at home has been improving slowly since the start of the year, confidence remains weak.

2.   A separate survey found that consumer confidence remained strong, even though the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in March.

3.   But he said consumer confidence remains fragile, and that the sharp fall in many stock prices over the last year will put downward pressure on spending.

4.   By past measures, confidence remains exceptionally high.

5.   Consumer confidence remains fragile.

6.   Consumer confidence remains high, he said.

7.   Consumer confidence remains very strong in many countries.

8.   Consumer confidence remained high during December, the University of Michigan said.

9.   Consumer confidence remains at record levels, and consumers appear to be spending.

10.   Consumer confidence remains solid, according to the latest surveys.