A monthlong slide in consumer confidence ended last week as gasoline prices retreated, Bloomberg reported.

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose to minus 48.4 in the period ended May 22 from a nine-month low of minus 49.4 the prior week. Readings of minus 40 are or lower are generally associated with recessions and their aftermaths.

A 12 percent decline in gasoline prices last week, the largest drop since November 2008, may limit further strains, but gains in wages have failed to keep up with the overall jump in gas prices. For more information on the index, click here.