"Consumer sentiment continued to deteriorate in June amid soaring gasoline prices, rising unemployment and falling home prices. Sentiment fell to 56.7 in June from 59.8 in May, the lowest since the 1980 recession. A record number of respondents reported that their finances had worsened in June, citing rising energy and food prices as the main culprits. In addition to rising commodity prices, consumers are struggling with a weaker labor market as only 19% reported income gains (a record low)." This suggests downside risks to consumption, LEH says.