The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® surged in March to its highest reading in a year, after a modest increase in February. The Index now stands at 109.7 (1985=100), up from 90.4 in February. The Present Situation Index — based on consumers' assessments of current business and labor market conditions — climbed from 89.6 to 110.0. The Expectations Index — based on consumers' short-term outlooks for income, business and labor market conditions — also improved, from 90.9 last month to 109.6 in March.
"Consumer Confidence increased to its highest level since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020," said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. "Consumers' assessment of current conditions and their short-term outlook improved significantly, an indication that economic growth is likely to strengthen further in the coming months. Consumers' renewed optimism boosted their purchasing intentions for homes, autos and seve
