NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - U.S. overall consumer confidence took a pause from its recent rally, clinging to its 18-month high and with its three components at or just above their 18-year averages, a survey showed Tuesday.

The ABC News/Money magazine Consumer Confidence index stood at - 7 on the scale of +100 to -100 in the week ended Jan. 11, 2004, unchanged from the week before.

The index, based on ratings of the national economy, personal finances and the buying climate, was 11 points worse two months ago.

According to the latest survey, 42 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the economy, same as the week before, and the best level since June 2002.

Also, 57 percent of those polled said their own finances were in good shape, unchanged from the previous week. The best response was 70 percent recorded on Aug. 30, 1998, while the worst was 42 percent on March 14, 1993.

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Forty percent of those surveyed said it's an excellent or good time to spend on personal needs. It was 41 percent in the week ended Jan. 4, 2004. The worst level occurred in fall 1990 with 20 percent. The best happened on Jan. 16, 2000 with 57 percent.

The ABC News/Money index represents a rolling average based on telephone interviews with about 1,000 adults nationwide each month. The latest week's results are based on 1,000 interviews in the week ended Jan. 11 and have a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.