Consumer confidence

Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index Rebounds

U.S. consumer confidence picked up much more strongly than expected in February as Americans shrugged off earlier worries over fiscal policy and tax increases. The Conference Board, an industry group, said its index of consumer attitudes accelerated to 69.6 from 58.4 in January, topping expectations.

Consumer Confidence Plunges as Payroll Tax Holiday Ends

U.S. consumer confidence plunged in January to its lowest level in more than a year, reflecting the cut to take-home pay nearly all working Americans were hit with after Washington allowed a temporary Social Security payroll tax holiday to expire.

U.S. Consumer Debt Rises on More Car, School Loans

U.S. consumers borrowed more in November to buy cars and attend school, but stayed cautious with their credit cards. The Federal Reserve said Tuesday that consumers increased their borrowing in November by $16 billion from October to a seasonally adjusted record of $2.77 trillion.

Stocks Turn Lower After Consumer Confidence Sinks

Stocks fell Thursday, putting the market on track for its fourth straight loss, after consumer confidence fell sharply in December as Americans worried about higher taxes and government spending cuts.

U.S. Economy Gets Lift From Consumers, Businesses

American consumers are growing more confident about the job market, companies are ordering more equipment and home prices are rising in most major cities. The latest batch of government data suggests that the economy is improving just as the holiday shopping season begins.

Consumer Confidence Hits Highest Level Since February 2008

U.S. consumer confidence rose this month to its highest level in almost five years, pushed up by steady improvement in hiring. The Conference Board says its consumer confidence index rose to 73.7 in November from 73.1 in October. Both are the best readings since February 2008.

You're Late: Credit Card Debt Rises - and So Does Delinquency

Americans cranked up their use of credit cards in the third quarter, racking up more debt than a year ago, while also being less diligent about making payments on time. But though delinquency is rising, it's still significantly below historic norms.

Oil Prices Rise as Americans' Confidence Improves

Benchmaark crude is up 48 cents to $85.57 around noon EST; the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index reveals that Americans feel better about the state of the world's largest economy than any point in the last five years.

Consumers Give U.S. Economy a Lift Before Election

Consumer confidence surged in October to its highest level in nearly five years. Americans were encouraged by recent declines in the unemployment rate. And they responded by spending more on cars and trucks, at retail businesses and on goods produced at U.S. factories.

U.S. Consumer Spending Rose 0.8 Percent in September

Americans increased their spending in September at twice the rate that their income grew, a sign of confidence in the economy. Still, consumers made up the difference by saving less for a third straight month, a troubling trend.

How High Credit Card Rates Could Be Good News for You

Despite ultra-low mortgage and savings interest rates, the average credit card rate is still high, and has barely budged over the past year. That's not so lucky for you as a spender -- but it could guide you to a windfall as an investor.

Retail Sales Up 1.1% in September

Americans stepped up their spending at retail businesses in September, reflecting their growing confidence in the economy. Retail sales rose 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said. That followed a 1.2 percent increase in August. Both were the largest gains since October 2010.