Consumer Confidence Gets Boost in March

New York, NY, April 27, 2010--The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had rebounded in March, increased further in April.

The index now stands at 57.9 (1985=100), up from 52.3 in March. The Present Situation Index increased to 28.6 from 25.2. The Expectations Index improved to 77.4 from 70.4.

"Consumer confidence, which had rebounded in March, gained further ground in April," Says Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

"The Index is now at its highest reading in about a year and a half. Consumers' concerns about current business and labor market conditions eased again. And, their outlook regarding business conditions and the labor market was also more positive than last month. Looking ahead, continued job growth will be key in sustaining positive momentum."

Consumers' outlook was also brighter in April. The percentage of consumers expecting business conditions will improve over the next six months increased to 19.8 percent from 18.0 percent, while those expecting conditions will worsen declined to 12.6 percent from 13.6 percent.

Consumers were also more optimistic about the job outlook. The percentage of consumers anticipating more jobs in the months ahead increased to 18.0 percent from 14.1 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs declined to 20.0 percent from 21.4 percent. The proportion of consumers anticipating an increase in their incomes declined to 10.3 from 10.8 percent.