Analysts said the report suggested signs of waning consumer optimism that could restrain growth.

But the flickering consumer optimism, combined with slowing income growth, also seems likely to keep the economy from taking off soon.

The survey, which covers 5,000 households throughout the United States, said consumer optimism had swelled in just about every region of the country.

Their caution depresses growth, while consumer optimism here has so far kept this country out of recession.

The main measures of consumer optimism have recently turned up, and spending seems to be reviving.

Ms. Feigin said the study found that consumer optimism had drastically eroded.

That is particularly the case in countries with lagging consumer optimism.

We rush from consumer optimism to industry doubts.

That offset gains in retailing shares, which were bolstered by signs of consumer optimism.

Some analysts said the jump reflected consumer optimism despite pockets of sluggishness in the economy.