Consumer Outlook Up More than Expected in August - Economy * US * News * Story

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Consumer Outlook Up More than Expected in August

Topics:Inflation | Consumers | Economy (U.S.)

By: AP | 26 Aug 2008 | 10:07 AM ET

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Michael Probst / AP
Americans' confidence in the economy has gotten a better-than-expected boost in August amid lower prices at the gas pump.

The Conference Board, a private research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 56.9, up from a revised 51.9 in July. Analysts had expected a reading of 53. That marked the second month in a row that sentiment improved, after a six-month slide since January. However, the level still remains about half of what it was a year ago.