Confidence among U.S. consumers unexpectedly rose

BY

Confidence among U.S. consumers unexpectedly rose for a second straight month in July, driven by gains in jobs and incomes that may keep the economy from stumbling.

The Conference Board's index increased to 106.5, the highest in three months, from a 105.4 reading in June, the New York-based business group said today. Measures of attitudes about the current economic environment and expectations for the next six months both rose in July. A separate report showed home sales declined 1.3 percent last month.

[ Last edited by BY on 2006-7-25 at 11:00 PM ]