Fabian Linden; Economist Created Consumer Confidence Index

Fabian Linden, 79, an economist who developed the consumer confidence index of the research organization known as the Conference Board. One of the first American economists to examine consumer attitudes and buying plans as a means of predicting swings in the U.S. economy, Linden developed the highly respected index in 1967. He joined the Conference Board in 1957 and until recently served as executive director of its Consumer Research Center. The index is widely watched by business executives and Wall Street and is often cited by financial analysts to explain swings in stock and bond prices. A national authority on consumer behavior patterns, Linden wrote more than 40 books, including “How We Spend Our Money,” published this year. He was educated at New York and Harvard universities. On Monday in New York City of colon cancer.