The New York-based Conference Board said its Consumer Confidence Index dipped to 141.8 in February from an all-time high of 144.7 in January. It was the first decline since last October, but the reading still remained above December's 141.7.

The results were considerably lower than the 143 that Wall Street analysts had expected.

"Declining consumers' expectations for the next six months was the major reason for the overall dip in confidence," said Lynn Franco, director of the board's research center, in a statement accompanying the figures. "Consumer attitudes will bear watching over the next few months to gauge the impact of rising interest rates and relatively high gas prices."

She added, however, that "As for now, the index is signaling further economic growth ahead."

The consumer confidence index, based on a monthly survey of some 5,000 U.S. households, is closely watched because consumer spending makes up about two-thirds of the nation's economic activity.

Most analysts had expected the economy to begin slowing some this quarter since Fed policy-makers have raised interest rates four times since June. They also have signaled that further rate hikes may be needed to slow the economy's torrid growth and head off a rekindling of inflation.

In addition, rapidly rising crude oil prices have sent heating oil prices soaring and gasoline costs surging to record levels, hitting fuel-reliant industries such as airlines and trucking — as well as consumer pocketbooks. Higher spending on fuel diverts funds that could be used for other purposes.

A clue to the direction of consumer sentiment came Monday when the Commerce Department reported that American incomes went up faster than spending in January for the first time since October.

The latest report from the business-financed Conference Board said 17.6 percent of those surveyed in February expect business conditions to improve in the next six months, down from 20 percent the month before. A total of 4.7 percent expect them to worsen, up from 3.5 percent in January. The rest expected no change.

The reading for employment expectations fell in February to the lowest level in a year, the report showed.

It said that 15 percent expect employment opportunities to increase, the lowest reading since 14 percent in February 1999. Some 9.1 percent expect them to improve. The rest expected no change.