1.   -- The loss of traditional blue-collar jobs has contributed not only to the impoverishment of communities but also to increased pessimism about future prospects.

2.   More serious was the increased pessimism about the future.

3.   Consumer confidence in February fell to its lowest level in more than four years, undermined by increased pessimism about jobs and the economy.

4.   Corn futures plunged to a four-month low Friday on the Chicago Board of Trade on increased pessimism about the prospects for U.S. exports.

5.   Consumer confidence in Februrary fell to its lowest level in more than four years, undermined by increased pessimism about jobs and the economy.

6.   Consumer confidence declined in February, hurt in part by increased pessimism about the jobs outlook and the economy, reversing two straight monthly gains.

7.   The reports of increased official pessimism come as the Japanese economy remains mired in a decade-long slump that so far has defied solution.