Consumer Confidence Rises in December

New York, NY, Dec. 29, 2009--The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, rose again in December.

The index now stands at 52.9, up from 50.6 in November.

The Expectations Index increased to 75.6 from 70.3 last month. The Present Situation Index, however, declined to 18.8 from 21.2 in November.

The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households.

Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, said, "Consumer Confidence posted yet another moderate gain in December as expectations for the short-term future increased to the highest level in two years.

"The Present Situation Index, however, continued to lose ground and remains at a 26-year low. A more optimistic outlook for business and labor market conditions was the driving force behind the increase in the Expectations Index. Regarding income, however, consumers remain rather pessimistic about their short-term prospects and this will likely continue to play a key role in spending decisions in early 2010."