Consumer Confidence Turns Higher in April

New York, NY, April 26, 2011 -- Consumer confidence rose in April as concerns about jobs and inflation eased, according to the Conference Board.

The board says its index rose to 65.4 from a revised 63.8 in March. Economists expected a smaller rise to 64.8.

The increase comes after an unexpected drop in March due to worries about rising gas prices and other household costs. But the measure had risen for five consecutive months before that and hit a three-year high in February.

The index is still far from the reading of 90 that indicates a healthy economy.

The Conference Board says opinions about income and the job market improved during the month.