consumer confidence improves in march, 2006

After taking a downward turn in February, consumer confidence improved in March, according to The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index.

The Index climbed 4.5 points this month and now stands at 107.2 (1985=100), near the four-year high of 110.3, last reached in May 2002. The Present Situation and Expectations Indices also increased in March, rising to 133.3 and 89.9, respectively.According to The Conference Board's report, the improvements to the three indices reflect a more positive outlook for the economy and the job market in the months ahead.

In March, the proportion of people anticipating business conditions to pick up increased to 18 percent, and those expecting more jobs to become available edged up to 13.9 percent. Additionally, the number of consumers expecting their incomes to improve remained unchanged at 18.8 percent.

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated march 30, 2006.