The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which declined in January, again fell sharply, to a near-15-year low. In February the Index stands at 75.0 (1985=100), down from 87.3 in January, the Conference Board reported (via MarketingCharts).

The Expectations Index declined to 57.9 from 69.3. The Present Situation Index decreased to 100.6 from 114.3 in January.

"The Consumer Confidence Index continues losing ground and, with the exception of the Iraqi War in 2003, is now at its lowest level in nearly 15 years (Nov. 1993, 71.9)," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

"Consumers' expectations have also deteriorated significantly and are now at a 17-year low (Jan. 1991, 55.3). With so few consumers expecting conditions to turn around in the months ahead, the outlook for the economy continues to worsen and the risk of a recession continues to increase," she added.

Additional info is available at MarketingCharts.

About the data: The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by TNS.