NEW YORK - Consumer confidence dipped in April from a seven-month high, but optimism about the economy still remained higher than analysts' expectations.<br>
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The New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 108.8 this month from a revised 110.7 in March. Analysts were expecting a reading of 107.5.<br>
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The industry group's index, based on a monthly survey of some 5,000 U.S. households, is closely watched because consumer confidence drives consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the nation's economic activity.<br>
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