NEW YORK (Associated Press) – Americans’ confidence in the economy has improved slightly in August according to a monthly Consumer Confidence Index compiled by the Conference Board.
The board reported today that the index improved slightly to 53.5, up from a revised 51 in July. This improvement comes after two straight months of declines.
An index score of 90 or better indicates a healthy economy, a level not reached since the recession began in December 2007. The index score measures how Americans feel about business conditions, the job market and the next six months.
The slight improvement in August’s Consumer Confidence Index was boosted by shoppers’ improved outlook over the next six months, rising to 72.5 from 67.5. However, how consumers felt about the current economy decreased from 26.4 to 24.9.