Consumer confidence sent off warning signs Tuesday that could mean lower spending in the critical fall shopping season, particularly if the labor market weakens. The New York-based Conference Board said its Consumer Confidence Index fell almost 5 points to 103.9, down from a revised 108.5 in May, reaching the lowest level since August 2006, when the reading was 100.2.

DOGGIE DNA

According to the Sacramento Bee, MMI Genomics in Davis is offering dog owners the chance to find out what breeds make up their mutt’s pedigree, at a cost of $65 or more per test, by conducting genetic analysis on dog saliva collected by pet owners. Food giant Mars Inc. is hot on their heels, with plans to roll out its own veterinarian-supervised DNA tests by mid-July.

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