Consumer Confidence Improves in August

U.S. consumer confidence improved in August, according to the latest Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index, released Friday.

The final index for August rose to a reading of 63, from 61.2 in July, the group said. A preliminary reading two weeks ago put the reading at 61.7.

Economists had predicted a reading of 62, Bloomberg reported.

The survey issues a preliminary reading in the middle of each month and a final reading and at the end of each month.