U.S. Consumer Confidence Unexpectedly Jumps to 18-Year High

U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly jumped to the highest in 18 years in September, according to a report Tuesday from the New York-based Conference Board, on brighter assessments of economic expectations and the present situation.

Sentiment improved a third month, reaching one of the best levels in a half century of data, as a strong job market and tax cuts keep Americans optimistic about the state of the economy and their finances even amid an escalating trade war with China. The Trump administration on Monday officially imposed duties on $200 billion worth of goods from the Asian nation, which economists say could weigh on consumer moods and increase prices for everyday items.