Americans grew more upbeat about current economic and job conditions in October, even as long-term expectations remained subdued, according to new data from The Conference Board that point to steady economic momentum heading into year-end.
The organization’s consumer confidence index edged down slightly to 94.6 in October from a revised 95.6 in September, the Oct. 28 report shows. But the present situation index, which measures consumers’ assessment of business and labor market conditions, rose by 1.8 points to 129.3, the first rebound since summer.
The gain reflected stronger views of job availability and modestly improved perceptions of business conditions.
“Consumer confidence moved sideways in October, only declining slightly from its upwardly revised September level,” Stephanie Guichard, senior economist at The Conference Board, said in a statement….