Confidence among U.S. consumers climbed more than forecast in April to a five-month high as Americans’ outlook for the economy and their incomes improved. The Conference Board’s index rose to 68.1, exceeding the highest projection in a Bloomberg survey, from a revised 61.9 in March, data from the New York-based private research group showed today. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg forecast an increase to 61. Gains in the stock market, an increase in property values and cheaper prices at the gas pump are helping stabilize household wealth. A growing share of consumers expecting a pickup in incomes may help fuel the ... (full story)