Consumer Confidence Index hits 8-month high

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER

WASHINGTON

The Consumer Confidence Index rose in January to its highest point in eight months but remains well below the levels indicating a healthy economy.

The Conference Board says its Consumer Confidence Index climbed to 60.6 this month, up from 53.3 in December. While that reading was better than economists had expected, confidence is still far from the 90 readings that signal a healthy consumer mindset.

Americans' views on the current economy and their expectations for the future both improved as people feel better about the job market.