Economics

Consumer Confidence in U.S. Unexpectedly Rises for Sixth Month

  • Conference Board’s index rose to 129.1, a fresh pandemic high
  • Share of Americans saying jobs ‘plentiful’ at a 21-year high
Shoppers hold bags in San Francisco.Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
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U.S. consumer confidence improved for a sixth straight month in July to a fresh pandemic high as Americans grew more optimistic about current business and labor market conditions.

The Conference Board’s index rose to 129.1 from a revised 128.9 reading in June, according to the group’s report Tuesday. Economists in a Bloomberg survey had called for a decline to 123.9. Inflation expectations eased slightly -- though remain elevated -- while buying plans strengthened.