US DATA: Dec Conference Bd Consumer Confidence 64.5 (above expected) vs
55.2 in Nov. Present situation 46.7 vs 38.3; Expectations 76.4 vs 66.4.
Conference Bd says the index has now returned to levels seen last spring
but it’s too soon to tell if this is just a rebound or of there’s a
sustainable shift in attitudes. Short-term outlooks improved for
business conditions and for jobs (Jobs Plentiful 6.7 vs 5.6 and Hard to
Get 41.8 vs 43.0). Buying plans rose for homes and vacations, fell for
autos and appliances. 1y infl expectation was 5.4%. Confidence improved
across ages, and for most income levels (exception was down for $25-35k
area). Confidence improved most places but not in NE or Central regions.