Consumer confidence fell in May the fourth decline in 5 months. Americans became slightly more pessimistic about the labor market in May on top of inflation anxiety, the consumer confidence index was one O 2.3 in May down from one O 3.7 in April, according to the conference board, a business research group. The index measuring consumers assessment of current business and labor market conditions deteriorated from one 51.8 to one 48.6 from able to May, despite a low unemployment rate and a slight rise in consumer spending, the proportion of consumers reporting jobs are plentiful, fell, and there was a notable worsening in the outlook among consumers over age 55. Consumers surveyed expect inflation to stay around the same over the next 12 months, and view it as a major influence on the economy. Jennifer King, Washington