U.S. consumer confidence increased in February, as expectations rebounded following recent months of market volatility and the government shutdown.
Figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Conference Board indicated that the figure hiked to 131.4 from 121.7 in January.
The index measures consumers' assessment of current economic conditions and their expectations for the next six months. Both rose in January. Consumers' views of today's economy were the sunniest since December 2000.
The Conference board index had dropped in January amid worries about a government shutdown that ended Jan. 25 and stock market volatility, which reflected higher interest rates and worries about trade tensions with China. But stocks have rebounded since Christmas, and U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators have reported signs of progress toward ending a standoff.
