U.S. Consumer Confidence Rose More Than Forecast in January

U.S. consumer confidence was stronger than expected in January and hovering near a 17-year high as households grew somewhat more upbeat about employment and the economy, according to figures out Tuesday from the Conference Board in New York.

An unemployment rate hovering near a 17-year low, modest inflation that’s propping up purchasing power, sturdy economic growth and elevated stocks are keeping people optimistic. An upbeat consumer will probably help underpin household spending, which advanced in the fourth quarter at the fastest pace since the three months ended June 2016.