Consumer confidence highest since Oct '07
Strengthening in job growth likely to continue
[WASHINGTON] Confidence among US consumers soared in July to the highest level in almost seven years on the heels of a strengthening labour market.
The Conference Board's index rose to 90.9, the highest since October 2007, from a revised 86.4 in June, according to the New York-based private research group said yesterday.
More employment opportunities, fewer firings and resilient equity markets are buoying spirits against a backdrop of geopolitical tension in Ukraine and the Middle East. Faster wage growth would help to further spur sentiment and provide the wherewithal for bigger gains in consumer spending.