What does the following passage say about how consumer concerns about the national economy relate to the national health of the residential construction industry? The trend in many areas during the worst of the recession was less of everything. Because the economy seemed to be in a state of extended confusion and disarray, frightened consumers tightened their belts and stuck to cheap basics they could depend on. They were much more likely to want to spend their money on fast food for their tables and secondhand clothes for their closets than to think about buying new cars or houses.

A. Consumer concerns about the economy tend to have a local effect on particular housing markets.

B. Consumers tend to enjoy cheap basics more than large purchases in the best or worst of times.

C. Consumers focus more on their local communities than on national concerns during economic crisis.

D. Consumer concerns about the economy drive home buying and residential construction down.