U.S. Consumer Confidence Jumps Past Forecast In June

U.S. consumer confidence jumped in June, according to an index released by The Conference Board on Tuesday. Its index rose to 101.4 in June from a downwardly revised 94.6 in May, topping the MarketWatch-compiled economist forecast of 97.5. Both the present situation and expectations indexes advanced. "Over the past two months, consumers have grown more confident about the current state of business and employment conditions. In addition, they are now more optimistic about the near-term future, although sentiment regarding income prospects is little changed," said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.