°®¶¹´«Ã½

Consumer confidence improved in April to the second-highest level in more than eight years as Americans held more favorable views of the economic outlook and inflation.

The cost of living in the United States, excluding food and fuel, rose 0.2% in March for a third month, signaling inflation is starting to firm.

Consumer confidence increased last week to an almost eight-year high as Americans viewed the U.S. economy in a more favorable light and said it was better time to spend.

Consumer purchases rose less than projected in February, indicating the biggest part of the U.S. economy will find it hard to sustain momentum after the best quarter since 2006.

Consumer purchases adjusted for inflation rose in January, a sign the plunge in gasoline prices is helping boost the biggest part of the U.S. economy.

Consumer confidence fell more than forecast in February as the initial elation over a drop in fuel prices waned and Americans grew less optimistic about prospects for employment and income.

Consumer spending fell in December as households took a breather from the break-neck pace of buying that characterized the fourth quarter.

American consumer confidence reached an 11-year high in January as a strengthening labor market and plunging gas prices kept households looking on the bright side.

The cost of living in the United States declined in December by the most in six years, reflecting a plunge in energy costs that’s keeping inflation from rising toward the Federal Reserve’s goal.

Consumer borrowing in the U.S. increased in November as an improving economy emboldened Americans to take out school and auto loans.