ZURICH (AFX) - The Swiss third quarter consumer confidence index posted its largest drop since the Gulf War, losing 29 points to minus 17 against the second quarter, said the Swiss economics ministry. The index nonetheless stays above the levels reached between Oct 1990 and 1997, it said. It is particularly the sub index over the 12 month outlook which has taken a blow, falling to minus 51 from plus 24, it said. Swiss households nevertheless continue to judge their budgetary situation as satisfactory. They are however less inclined to make large purchases right now, it said.