Debt Grows at Slowest Rate in 8 Months <A HREF="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rup8.1oct08,0,1972825..." target="_new">http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rup8.1oct08,0,1972825...</A>. Consumer confidence has slipped for four straight months, reflecting weak job growth and the declining stock market. TP