"US Consumer Confidence Soars to Highest Level in Months"

US consumer confidence in December reached its highest level since July, with the Consumer Confidence Index rising to 110.7. Recession fears also decreased, with the perceived likelihood of a US recession in the next 12 months falling to its lowest level of the year. The boost in confidence was driven by more positive ratings of current business conditions, job availability, and income prospects. The Expectations Index, which signals a recession when below 80, rose to 85.6. The Present Situations Index also increased, reaching its highest level since March.