Consumer Confidence Rises to Four-Year High

Consumer confidence rose to a four-year high in October, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

The group’s monthly index rose to a reading of 72.2, the highest since February 2008, from 68.4 in September that was lower than originally reported.

Economists had forecast a reading of 73, Bloomberg reported.

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