WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers’ confidence in the economy rose this month on a better outlook
for hiring and growth.TheConference Board says its index of consumer confidence rose to 78.1 inDecember, up
from 72 in the previous month. November’s figure wasrevised up from 70.4. The December increase followed
three months ofdeclines.Americans expressed more confidence that steady job gains would continue.Consumers’
confidence is closely watched because their spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity.Copyright
2013 The Associated Press. All rightsreserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten
orredistributed.WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers’ confidence in the economy rose this month on a better
outlook for hiring and growth.TheConference Board says its index of consumer confidence rose to 78.1
inDecember, up from 72 in the previous month. November’s figure wasrevised up from 70.4. The December
increase followed three months ofdeclines.Americans expressed more confidence that steady job gains would
continue.Consumers’ confidence is closely watched because their spending accounts for 70 percent of economic
activity.Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rightsreserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten orredistributed.