US consumer confidence rose in December by the most since early 2021 as Americans grew more upbeat about the labor market and the inflation outlook. The Conference Board’s index increased to 110.7 in December from a revised 101 reading in November, data published Wednesday showed. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of forecasters called for a 104.5 reading. A measure of expectations — which captures the outlook for about six months out — advanced as consumers saw better business conditions, incomes and labor-market prospects. Expected inflation a year ahead fell to the lowest level since late 2020. Meanwhile a ... (full story)