US consumer confidence hits its post-recession high in September

Confidence among American shoppers rose unexpectedly to its highest level since the recession in September, official data revealed on Tuesday. According to the Conference Board, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) jumped to 104.1 in September, whereas market analysts expect it to come in at 98.6 in the reported period. Meanwhile, the preceding month's reading was revised up to 101.8 from the originally reported 101.1 points. The survey is a closely-followed barometer of consumer attitudes towards business conditions, personal finances, jobs and short-term outlook. The data showed that 27.9% of respondents stated that jobs were plentiful in the ninth month of the year, following August's 26.8%. Furthermore, only 21.6% claimed that jobs were hard to find, compared to last month's 22.8%. The share of those expecting more jobs to be created in the upcoming months increased to 15.1% from last month's 14.4%, while the share of respondents expecting less jobs declined to 17.0% from August's 17.5%. The proportion of respondents expecting their incomes to worsen fell to 10.3% from 11.0% in the prior month. The US economy is mostly driven by consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of all economic growth.