US consumer confidence rises in October to 17-year high
WASHINGTON — American consumers are the most confident they’ve been in nearly 17 years.
The Conference Board says its consumer confidence index hit 125.9 in October, up from a revised 120.6 in September and the highest reading since December 2000.
The index measures consumers’ assessment of current conditions and their outlook for the next six months. Both rose in October.
A healthy job market contributed to the sunny mood. Unemployment is at a 16-year low 4.2 per cent.