USA TODAY International Edition
CONSUMER GAUGE DROPS
A closely watched gauge of U. S. consumer confidence tumbled in December as rising coronavirus cases dragged American optimism to its lowest level since the summer. Rising pessimism is now spreading during the crucial holiday season, which could make or break a number of sectors that have been hammered financially during the pandemic. The December reading of 88.6 released Tuesday by the Conference Board is a sharp decline from last month.