Business digest 09/29/04

Consumer confidence dips in September

NEW YORK -- Continued job worries resulted in an unexpected decline in consumer confidence in September, the second consecutive monthly dip, a New York-based private research group said Tuesday. The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 96.8 from a revised reading of 98.7 in August, according to The Conference Board. Analysts had expected a reading of 99.5.

Anheuser-Busch to sponsor '08 Olympics

ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch has agreed to sponsor the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the company said Tuesday. The St. Louis-based company's Budweiser will be the official "international beer sponsor" for the games. The deal gives Anheuser-Busch rights to use the 2008 Olympic Games logo for promotional purposes.

Delta CEO forgoing salary for rest of year

ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines Inc.'s chief executive said Tuesday he is declining his six-figure salary for the rest of the year as he detailed a 10 percent pay cut that will affect senior officials, administrative staff and ticket and gate agents. CEO Gerald Grinstein also said that the company will increase the shared cost of health-care coverage and make changes to retirement benefits.

Caterpillar executive predicts strong sales

PEORIA, Ill. -- Caterpillar Inc. CEO Jim Owens boosted the company's sales outlook Tuesday, citing unprecedented demand. The company predicts sales and revenue will climb 25 to 30 percent this year, up from earlier forecasts of 25 percent, Owens told analysts.

-- From wire reports