Consumer confidence

Economists see an improvement in consumer confidence, partly driven by the stock market and rising home prices.

Consumer confidence at a five-year high according to new data this week. But what exactly makes us so confident?

U.S. retail sales rose 1.1 percent in September with Americans spending more on cars, electronics and gas.

While consumer confidence may be higher, business executives are less bullish

Today, the latest Case-Shiller Home Price index was released. It looks at housing prices in the 20 biggest metropolitan areas of the country. Consumers are also upbeat: consumer confidence jumped to the highest level since February.

The consumer confidence and consumer sentiment indices come out this week. Analysts will be looking to see what they tell us about the U.S. economic recovery.

Our latest reporting on U.S. consumer confidence says it jumped up last month. But what does that mean where you live?

Americans spent less on cars, computers and other retail items in June, held back by concerns about job stability and the global economy.

Amidst glimpses of positive economic indicators, dismal consumer confidence continues as retail sales figures are down for chain stores in June.