The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to a reading of 70.3 (1985=100) in September, up from a reading of 61.3 in August. “The consumer confidence index rebounded in September and is back to levels seen earlier this year (71.6 in February 2012),” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.

“Consumers were more positive in their assessment of current conditions, in particular the job market, and considerably more optimistic about the short-term outlook for business conditions, employment and their financial situation," Franco said. "Despite continuing economic uncertainty, consumers are slightly more optimistic than they have been in several months.”

According to the index’s survey, consumers saying they expected more jobs in the months ahead increased to 18.5 percent in September from 15.8 percent in August, while those anticipating fewer jobs declined to 18.5 percent from 23.7 percent. The proportion of consumers expecting an increase in their incomes edged up to 16.3 percent from 16.0 percent.