The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in January, rebounded in February. The Index now stands at 69.6 (1985=100), up from 58.4 in January. Consumers’ assessment of present day conditions improved in February. Those claiming business conditions are “good” rose to 18.1 percent from 16.1 percent, while those stating business conditions are “bad” decreased to 27.8 percent from 28.4 percent. Consumers’ appraisal of the labor market was mixed. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” increased to 10.5 percent from 8.5 percent, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” edged up to 37.0 percent from 36.6 percent. Consumers were more optimistic about the short-term outlook this month. Those expecting … Continue reading The Conference Board