Consumer confidence rose to 52.5 in March from 46.4 in February.
Economists had expected the index to rebound to 51.0.
The overall index includes two measurements — consumers current assessment of the economy, which increased to 26 from 21.7, and their outlook over the next six months, which improved to 70.2 from 62.9.
According to the survey from the
an industry group, those claiming business conditions are “bad” decreased to 42.8% from 45.1%, while those claiming conditions are “good” increased to 8.6% from 6.8%.
Those saying jobs are “hard to get” declined to 45.8% from 47.3%, while those saying jobs are “plentiful” increased to 4.4% from 4%.
The percentage of consumers expecting fewer jobs in the months ahead declined to 21.6% from 24.7%. Those anticipating more jobs increased to 14.6% from 13.2%.
The February confidence index was revised up from the initial estimate of 46.0.
