The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to a reading of 72.2 (1985=100) in October, its highest reading this year. “Consumers were considerably more positive in their assessment of current conditions, with improvements in the job market as the major driver,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers were modestly more upbeat about their financial situation and the short-term economic outlook, and appear to be in better spirits approaching the holiday season.”