Consumer confidence heads higher

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. consumer confidence rose in November for the second consecutive month, the Conference Board said Tuesday.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Index, which uses 1985 as a base year with an assigned value of 100, rose from 49.9 in October to 54.1, the research group said.

In November, the monthly survey of 5,000 households found the number of respondents indicating economic conditions were "good" fell slightly from 8.3 percent to 8.1 percent. The number of respondents indicating conditions were "bad" rose from 42.3 percent to 43.6 percent.

Consumers held mixed opinions concerning the labor market. The percentage of respondents indicating jobs were "plentiful" increased from 3.5 percent to 4 percent, while the number indicating jobs were "hard to get" edged higher from 46.3 percent to 46.5 percent.

The survey also assesses consumer concern for the economy six months down the road. Those indicating they anticipated an improvement in the economy rose from 15.8 percent to 16.7 percent while those indicating an economic decline was expected fell from 14.4 percent to 12.1 percent.

"Consumer confidence is now at its highest level in five months, a welcome sign as we enter the holiday season," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

"Expectations, the main driver of this month's increase in confidence, are now at the highest level since May," she said.