Things remain hale in the U.S. economy, even with downward figures from the U.S. Conference Board.
Consumer confidence decreased marginally in December, following a slight increase in November. The Index now stands at 126.5, down from 126.8 (an upward revision) in November. The board's Present Situation Index – based on consumers' assessment of current business and labour market conditions – increased from 166.6 to 170.0.
The Expectations Index – based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – decreased from 100.3 last month to 97.4 this month.
Consumers' appraisal of conditions as they are now improved in December. Those claiming business conditions are "good" was virtually unchanged at 38.7%, while those claiming business conditions are "bad" decreased from 13.6% to 11.1%. Consumers' assessment of the job market was mixed. Those saying jobs are "plentiful" increased from 44% to 47% however, those claiming jobs are "hard to get" also increased, from 12.4% to 13.1%.
