The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index reached its highest level in September since the end of the recession with a reading of 104.1 (1985=100), up from a reading of 101.8 in August.

“Consumer confidence increased in September for a second consecutive month and is now at its highest level since the recession,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.

“Consumers’ assessment of present-day conditions improved, primarily the result of a more positive view of the labor market,” Franco said. “Looking ahead, consumers are more upbeat about the short-term employment outlook, but somewhat neutral about business conditions and income prospects. Overall, consumers continue to rate current conditions favorably and foresee moderate economic expansion in the months ahead.” 

Fewer consumers reported business conditions were bad in September, falling to 16.2% from August’s survey result of 18.2%. In addition, the number of consumers stating that jobs were “plentiful” rose to 27.9% in September from 26.8% in August.

A greater percentage of consumers in September, 15.1%, also expected more jobs in the coming month. That compares to 14.4% in August who said the same.