The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® improved slightly in February, following an increase in January. The Index now stands at 130.7 (1985=100), up from 130.4 in January. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased from 173.9 to 165.1. However, the Expectations Index – based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – increased from 101.4 last month to 107.8 this month. "Consumer confidence improved slightly in February, following an increase in January," said Lynn Franco, Senior Director ... (full story)