U.S. Consumer Confidence Jumps as Americans Perceive Improved Job Market

[Purveyor]

Source: BLOOMBERG



By Courtney Schlisserman

March 30 (Bloomberg) -- Confidence among U.S. consumers climbed in March as Americans perceived employment was starting to improve.

The Conference Board’s confidence index rose to 52.5, exceeding the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News, from 46.4 in February, the private research group’s report showed today. Another report showed home prices rose in January.

“With signs of improvement in the labor market, confidence is more likely to be up than down in the next few months,” said James O’Sullivan, chief economist at MF Global Ltd. in New York, who forecast sentiment would pick up. “It’s still a low level of confidence.”

Gloom is lifting as firings slow and the expansion that began in the middle of 2009 is on the cusp of prompting companies to boost payrolls. More jobs will be needed to sustain the recent gains in consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of the economy.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=at3ikwZVcTWA&pos=2

[veganlush]

1. and tax refunds are flowing out too....I got mine and it was better than

..usual. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Newest Reality]

2. I perceive six-foot, bipedal, purple rabbits!

Therefore sales of carrots will increase remarkably in the near future. Carrot purchasers will have a confidence boost and this is a good time to invest.

Though I live in poverty, I have confidence that I will consumer more in the future regardless of my cash flow or credit. Now that's a way to base an economy and build confidence.

That article is investor-speak news with little in the way of substance.

[mac56]

3. cue the Debbie Downers in three.. two.. one..

:banghead: