Consumer Confidence Index Increases

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had dipped in December, increased in January. The Index now stands at 60.6 (1985=100), up from 53.3 in December. The Present Situation Index improved to 31.0 from 24.9. The Expectations Index increased to 80.3 from 72.3 last month.“Consumers have begun the year in better spirits. As a result, the index is now near levels not seen since last