conference board index

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.

Americans in November More Confident About Economy

Americans' confidence in the economy in November bounced back to its highest level since July, the latest sign that consumers are beginning to feel more cheerful about spending during the holiday shopping season. The Conference Board, a private research firm, says Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index rose 15 points to 56.0, the biggest jump since the 59.2 reading in July.