The Consumer Confidence Index rose to 56.9 in August from 51.9. in July, as concerns about inflation ebbed and oil prices slipped. Although, during the same period, consumers’ opinion of the present state of affairs and their job prospects dipped. “Consumer confidence readings suggest that the economy remains stuck in neutral, but may be showing signs of improvement by early next year…However, overall readings are still quite low by historical standards and it is still too early to tell if the worst is behind us,” said Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Consumer Confidence Improves in August, Reports The Conference Board [Conference Board]
As Inflation Worries Ease, Confidence Returns [NYT]

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