Consumer confidence in Japan increased more than expected in December, figures from the Cabinet Office showed Monday. The consumer confidence index rose to 38.8 in December from 37.7 in the previous month. Economists had forecast the index to rise to 38.5. The index measuring employment levels increased by 1.3 points to 44.1 in December. The overall livelihood index and the indicator for income growth advanced by 1.1 points each to 36 and 38.7, respectively, in December. The "willingness to buy durable goods" index climbed 0.9 points to 36.3. by RTT Staff Writer For comments and feedback: ... (full story)