Things are looking up, from the consumers' point of view, optimism rising on the jobs front and in business expectations, according to the Conference Board Consumer Conference Index. Confident consumers are more likely to spend on home improvements and furniture. And the sense of improved job security is a key factor in driving home sales.

Data gathered through December 15 by Nielsen, which manages the index, found more consumers saying jobs are plentiful, and business conditions are "good." The latter number increased from 25.0 percent to 27.3 percent. However, those saying business conditions are "bad" also increased from 16.9 percent to 19.8 percent.

Consumers were more positive about the labor market: those claiming jobs are "plentiful" increased from 21.0 percent to 24.1 percent, while those claiming jobs are "hard to get" decreased to 24.7 percent from 25.8 percent. Figures represent the change in the index from November to December.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had decreased moderately in November, improved in December. The Index now stands at 96.5 (1985=100), up from 92.6 in November. The Present Situation Index increased from 110.9 last month to 115.3 in December, while the Expectations Index improved to 83.9 from 80.4 in November.

By Bill Esler

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