US consumer confidence exceeds expectations buoyed by jobs growth

CONFIDENCE among US consumers increased more than forecast in April, signalling that the improving labour market is helping Americans weather rising fuel costs.

The Conference Board’s confidence index rose to 65.4 from a revised 63.8 reading in March, figures from the New York-based private research group showed.

Six straight months of job growth, with joblessness at a two-year low in March, is helping sustain consumer purchases, which account for about 70% of the economy.