The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased in February, following a decline in January. The Index now stands at 131.4 (1985=100), up from 121.7 in January. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions – improved, from 170.2 to 173.5. The Expectations Index – based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – increased from 89.4 last month to 103.4 this month. "Consumer Confidence rebounded in February, following three months of consecutive declines," said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic ... (full story)