--Conf Board: US Feb confidence at lowest level since June 1996
--US Feb present situation index 164.1 vs Jan revised 170.4
--US Feb expectations index 68.7 vs Jan revised 79.3
--Conf Board: US econ undergoing "moderate" growth, not recession
--Conf Board: Short-term outlook signals "severe" economic downturn

By BridgeNews
New York--Feb. 27--The Conference Board reported its U.S. consumer confidence index (1985=100) fell for the fifth straight month in February to 106.8, its lowest level since June 1996 from a revised 115.7 in January. The short-term outlook still signals a "severe" economic downturn, but consumers' views on current conditions suggest the economy is experiencing moderate growth and not a recession, the Conference Board said.