US consumer confidence rises to 18-year high in September

2018, 2019 mini countryman, r m — A lot technician passes by a long line of unsold 2018 and 2019 Countryman models at a Mini dealership in Highlands Ranch, Colo. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Conference Board releases its September index on U.S. consumer confidence.

2018 honda hr-v, r m — Buyers sit in a cubicle near a 2018 HR-V on the floor of a Honda dealership in Highlands Ranch, Colo. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Conference Board releases its September index on U.S. consumer confidence.

September 25, 2018

The index measures consumers' assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. Both improved in September. "These historically high confidence levels should continue to support healthy consumer spending, and should be welcome news for retailers as they begin gearing up for the holiday season," said Lynn Franco, the Conference Board's director of economic indicators.

The U.S. economy grew at an annual pace of 4.2 percent from April through July, the fastest rate in nearly four years. And the unemployment is 3.9 percent, near a 50-year low. The strong job market impressed Americans responding to the Conference Board survey: 45.7 percent said jobs were "plentiful" — most since January 2001.

"Knowing that the job market is strong, knowing that one has a regular paycheck, does wonders for confidence," said Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets.

Subjects
- Business,
- General news,
- Employment figures,
- Labor economy
Locations
- United States,
- North America