**[U.S. Consumer Confidence Declines in July as Views on Business Environment and Job Market Deteriorate]** According to a report by Jinse Finance, U.S. consumer confidence declined in July, with the public's perception of the current business environment and labor market worsening. Data released by the Conference Board on Tuesday showed that the Consumer Confidence Index fell by 1.4 points to 90.8, while the previous month's data was revised upward. Economists had a median forecast of 92.4. The indicator measuring current conditions dropped to its lowest level since 2021, while the indicator reflecting expectations for the next six months remained flat. High gasoline and food prices may be putting pressure on American households, further highlighting widespread concerns about persistent inflation and rising living costs. Meanwhile, after strong performance in the spring, hiring activity has shown signs of slowing. The Conference Board's survey revealed that consumer sentiment toward the job market weakened in July. The proportion of respondents who believed jobs were plentiful fell to 24.6%, while the proportion who thought jobs were hard to find also declined slightly. The difference between these two percentages, a key indicator closely monitored by economists, narrowed in July to its smallest since 2021, indicating a tougher labor market environment for job seekers. The survey covered the period from July 1 to July 22. During this time, U.S. gasoline prices at the pump initially fell to their lowest levels since March, only to rebound as oil prices rose due to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. After the U.S. suspended airstrikes last weekend, market sentiment stabilized, and oil prices retreated.