Consumer confidence rose last week as an improving job market helped make Americans the least pessimistic about the economy in more than five years. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index (COMFCOMF) improved to minus 27.3 in the seven days ended July 21, matching its highest level since January 2008, from minus 28.4 the prior period. The measure tracking perceptions about the world’s biggest economy posted its biggest advance since September 2008. Rising home and equity values this year have brightened consumers’ moods, which may help propel spending following a lull last quarter. The increase in confidence last week ... (full story)