The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index for the US rebounded in March to a reading of 101.3 (1985=100) from 98.8 in February. The index in January had been at its highest level since 2007.

“Consumer confidence improved in March after retreating in February,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “This month’s increase was driven by an improved short-term outlook for both employment and income prospects; consumers were less upbeat about business conditions. Consumers’ assessment of current conditions declined for the second consecutive month, suggesting that growth may have softened in Q1, and doesn’t appear to be gaining any significant momentum heading into the spring months.”

The number of consumers anticipating more jobs in the months ahead rose to 15.5% in March from 13.8% percent in February, according to the index’s survey. Those expecting fewer jobs fell to 13.5% from 14.8%.

Those saying jobs are “plentiful” edged up to 20.6% in March from 20.3% in February’s survey, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” also edged up to 25.4% from 25.1% in February.

The proportion of consumers expecting growth in their incomes rose to 18.4% in March from 16.4% in February, while the proportion expecting a drop fell to 9.9% from 10.8%.