°®¶¹´«Ã½

U.S. consumer confidence slumped in December to the lowest since July as a gauge of labor market expectations fell by the most in 41 years, the latest sign Americans are growing less optimistic as stock markets gyrate and the expansion moderates.

U.S. consumer sentiment exceeded analyst estimates as low unemployment and growing incomes kept Americans in an upbeat mood, though the outlook soured amid concern that the labor market will soften.

U.S. consumer confidence fell in November for the first time in five months, cooling from an 18-year high, as optimism dimmed for business conditions and incomes.

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence rose again this month, hitting a new 18-year high. The Conference Board said Oct. 30 that its consumer confidence index climbed to 137.9 in October from 135.3 in September. Both readings are the highest since September 2000.

WASHINGTON —U.S. consumer confidence shot up to an 18-year high in September — good news for retailers as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Americans were a bit less confident this month than they were in November, but their spirits remained high during the holiday shopping season.

More favorable attitudes about personal finances and the economy helped bolster Americans’ confidence last week, according to Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures released July 27.

The U.S. economy’s first-quarter growth was less tepid than previously reported, as consumer spending and trade added more to expansion.

Consumer confidence last week held close to the highest level in more than 15 years as Americans felt a little better about their finances and whether it’s a good time to spend, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index data showed May 4.

Consumer confidence rebounded last week as Americans became the most upbeat about the economy since 2001, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed April 27.