The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased in August, following three consecutive monthly declines. The Index now stands at 103.2 (1985=100), up from 95.3 in July. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—improved to 145.4 from 139.7 last month. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—increased to 75.1 from 65.6. "Consumer confidence increased in August after falling for three straight months," said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference ... (full story)