Consumer Confidence On The Rise

The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index showed month-to-month improvement from March to April, which may prove to be a positive sign for the economy.

The index, rose to 65.4 in April, from 63.8 in March, which is still much lower than what is required for a healthy economy. Usually, when markets are considered strong, a rating of approximately 90 is expected.

The report, by trade organization the Conference Board, surveys 5,000 U.S. households. The improvement shows consumers may be more inclined to spend more and worry less about the current economic state of affairs.

"Consumers' short-term outlook improved slightly, suggesting that the uncertainty expressed last month is easing," said Lynn Franco, director of Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Inflation worries were high last month, but the report discovered such feelings have waned in the new numbers. This is the seventh consecutive month where consumers have improved their views of the economy.

Many people have struggled in the wake of the economic recession with various financial issues. Because of the increasing amount of money problems experienced by consumers, many are looking for debt relief options to ease their current situations.