Consumer Confidence at Seven-Month High

New York, NY, Sept. 25, 2012 — Consumer confidence rose more than expected in September to a seven-month high, according to the Conference Board.

The board’s index increased to 70.3 this month from 61.3 in August. Economists were expecting a reading of 63.1.

Increasing home values and higher stock prices are helping consumers become more positive.

The gauge of present conditions increased to a five-month high of 50.2 from 46.5 in August. The measure of expectations for the next six months advanced to 83.7.