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                          US Consumer Confidence Rises

   by VOA News

   Consumer confidence, which is a key driver of U.S. economic growth,
   improved in December, according to two studies published Tuesday.

   The Conference Board's closely-watched survey shows more consumers have
   a favorable view of current economic conditions and fewer say the
   business climate is bad.

   A separate survey by Gallup questioned more than 2500 consumers and
   found the most confidence in economic conditions since 2008.

   The improved outlook follows a series of mostly upbeat economic
   reports, including plunging gasoline prices, the economy expanding at a
   five percent rate in the third quarter, and unemployment falling to 5.8
   percent.

   Still another study shows housing prices rose 4.5 percent in the
   12-month period ending in October. Experts say the Case-Shiller index
   rose at a slower pace than in the recent past because prices have risen
   beyond the reach of many potential customers.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-consumer-confidence-rises/2579044.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-consumer-confidence-rises/2579044.html