Standard Poor: The Conference Board

The Conference Board: The Conference Board, a New York-based private research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose in May to 76.2. Thats up from a reading of 69.0 in April and the highest since February 2008, according to 660 News. Home prices jumped 10.9 per cent in March compared with a year ago, the most since April 2006, according to the Standard Poor s/Case Shiller 20-city index. All 20 cities showed year-over-year gains and WASHINGTON Americans confidence in the economy jumped in May to a five-year high, lifted by a better outlook for hiring and business conditions. The increase suggests consumers may keep boosting economic growth this year. The jump in confidence followed a separate report showing the housing recovery is strengthening. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.