Americans' Economic Expectations Climb to a Three-Month High

Optimism about the direction of the U.S. economy improved to a three-month high in November as sentiment remained supported by a robust job market and steady growth, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed Thursday.

The report showed 35 percent of respondents reporting that the economy is improving, while just 27 percent say it’s deteriorating. Such a gap has only been wider five times since March 2002. Americans are enjoying solid job opportunities and stock-market gains that have boosted wealth. Inflation has also remained relatively low, allowing consumers to maintain their purchasing power.