Consumer Comfort Index Rises

The consumer comfort index rose a solid 5 tenth to 44.3 in the March 13 week, back up above the 44 reading where it has hovered for most of the year. After declining below 44 in the previous two weeks, the report reaffirms that consumer confidence is stable, continuing to benefit from the strength of the labor market, and underscores the Federal Reserve's view that consumer confidence remains intact.