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US Consumer Confidence Rises


Shoppers stand in line at Nordstrom Rack, Dec. 26, 2014, in Schaumburg, Ill.
Shoppers stand in line at Nordstrom Rack, Dec. 26, 2014, in Schaumburg, Ill.

Consumer confidence, which is a key driver of U.S. economic growth, improved in December, according to two studies published Tuesday.

The Conference Board's closely-watched survey shows more consumers have a favorable view of current economic conditions and fewer say the business climate is bad.

A separate survey by Gallup questioned more than 2500 consumers and found the most confidence in economic conditions since 2008.

The improved outlook follows a series of mostly upbeat economic reports, including plunging gasoline prices, the economy expanding at a five percent rate in the third quarter, and unemployment falling to 5.8 percent.

Still another study shows housing prices rose 4.5 percent in the 12-month period ending in October. Experts say the Case-Shiller index rose at a slower pace than in the recent past because prices have risen beyond the reach of many potential customers.

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