Consumer confidence surges in March to highest point in year

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence surged in March to the highest reading in a year, helped by increased vaccinations and more government economic support.

The Conference Board said Tuesday its consumer confidence index rose to 109.7 in March, the best showing since it stood at 118.8 in March of last year as the pandemic was beginning to hit the United States. The index stood at 90.4 in February.

The present situations index, based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, rose to 110.0, up from 89.6 in February. The expectations’ index, based on consumers outlook for income, business and labor market conditions six months into the future, also improved, rising to 109.6 in March, up from a reading of 90.9 in February.

Conference Board senior indicators director Lynn Franco said the significant improvement in the index and its two major components was a good sign for future economic growth.



Alanna Kelly, of Norwood, Mass., examines clothes washers and dryers on display at Sam's Appliances TV & Furniture, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Norwood. U.S. consumer confidence surged in March to the highest reading in a year, helped by increased vaccinations and more government economic support. The Conference Board said Tuesday, March 30, its consumer confidence index rose to 109.7 in March, the best showing since it stood at 118.8 in March of last year as the pandemic was beginning to hit the United States. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/franco-coronavirus-pandemic-consumer-confidence-united-states-0c47639ccc3663b4be4935cece4e546e

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2. I can see the difference myself from January. The local

mall and businesses are busier than they have been for the last year. Even during the holidays.