MW: U.S. consumer confidence index up to 2-year high
By Rex Nutting
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. consumers are regaining confidence about the economy and their chances for finding a job, the Conference Board said Tuesday, as it reported that its consumer confidence index rose to 63.3 in May from 57.7 in April. It was the third consecutive increase and the highest level since March 2008. The separate expectations index rose to its highest level since August 2007, before the recession began. Although still weak by historical standards, consumer confidence "appears to be gaining some traction," said Lynn Franco, head of consumer research at the private research organization. "The improvement has been fueled by growing optimism about business and labor market conditions."
