Consumer Confidence Rises for First Time in Four Months

Consumer confidence rose for the first time in four months in February, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.

The group’s monthly index rose to a reading of 69.6 from a revised 58.4 in January, lower than originally reported.

Economists had forecast a reading of 62, Bloomberg News reported.

An improvement in confidence may increase consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of the economy.