Consumer confidence in the United States eased last week, with Americans becoming more pessimistic about the state of the economy as global financial markets turned south.

The U.S. trade deficit fell in July to its lowest level in five months as exports rose broadly, signaling underlying strength in the economy amid concerns about a global growth slowdown.

Omnitracs said it is offering a compilation of tools, resources and services designed to help fleet customers make fuller use of its technology products.

Growth at service industries from retailers to restaurants hovered in August near the strongest in a decade, a sign U.S. demand was buoyant in the face of financial-market turmoil.