US DATA: March Conf Bd Consumer Confidence 70.2 vs 71.6 Feb.
Present situation 51.0 vs 46.4 to a 3.5y high, but Expectations 83.0 vs
88.4 on a less favorable short-term outlook as more expect a worsening.
Responses cut off March 15 when rates were spiking. Jobs Plentiful 9.4
vs 7.0, and Jobs Hard to Get 41.0 vs 38.6. Buying plans advanced for
autos, homes and appliances, but vacation plans fell. 1y infl rate seen
at 6.3% vs 5.5%r in Feb as most saw int rates and stocks higher.
Confidence dip centered in 55+ age area, and in $15-25k and $35-50k
incomes. Confidence by area fell in Atlantic, central & Pacific regions.