Consumers, who keep the American economy humming, are hurting. Economic data released Friday showed that beleaguered Americans were losing confidence and hitting the shops less. Consumer spending during the back-to-school season fell short of expectations. The Commerce Department announced that U.S. retail sales rose by 0.3% in August. Economists were expecting sales to rise by 0.5%. Stripping out automobiles, sales were even softer, declining 0.4%. The weak sales come as consumers grow increasingly concerned about the economy. Consumer confidence is at its lowest point since mid-2006 according to RBC Financial Group. The RBC Cash Index fell to 71.1 in September, from 89.3 in August. The index measures consumer confidence with a survey of 1,000 Americans. ‘Americans have a dim view of their current financial situation and an even bleaker view of their future prospects,’ said T. J. Marta, RBC’s Economic and Fixed Income Strategist. American consumers are trying to deal with a few different problems: The value of their homes is declining for the first time in over a decade. (See: ‘National Home Price Index Slides’) They’re shelling out more for meals and gas. (See: ‘Pricey Meals For Chickens Cost Sanderson’) Also, they’re having a harder […]