Grondham April 12| Joanne Hsu, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, saidwadersformen, U.S. consumer confidence fluctuated sideways for the fourth consecutive monthwadersformen, because consumers believe the economy is making little meaningful progress. Confidence has remained stable at 2 per cent since January this yearwadersformenWithin a narrow range of.5 points, it is well below the 5 points needed for significant differences in readings. Consumers believe that economic conditions have changed little since the start of the new year. Expectations for personal finances, the business environment and the labor market have remained stable over the past four months. However, inflation expectations rose slightly in April, reflecting frustration among some that the slowdown in inflation may have stalled. Overall, consumers have reservations about the upcoming election, which many consumers believe could have a significant impact on the economy.