Here's just a few of the bad things that are causing this:
Low retail sales suggest consumer anxiety:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan...e_down&chan=db
Income Dropped Unexpectedly and Spending Fell in August:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/01/business/01econ.html
A Storm Leaves Higher Heating Bills in Its Wake:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/01/business/01five.html
Consumer Confidence Plummets in September:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...092700645.html
Markets Can't Rally Against Declining Consumer Confidence:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...092701423.html
GM, Ford Sales Tumble in September:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...100300672.html