Consumers gain confidence in economy, their financial well-being

Despite the best efforts of the EM to keep the robust economy under the radar, most Americans know the score....

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 AP — Consumers' confidence in the economy and their own financial fortunes climbed to a 16-month high as better prospects for jobs and wages lifted people's spirits.

The RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index, based on results from the international polling firm Ipsos, showed that confidence clocked in at 96.1 in early February, marking a big improvement from January's 78.2. The new confidence reading was the best since October 2004.

The confidence revival also was helped by mild winter weather which meant that home heating bills weren't nearly as bad as many thought they would be, analysts said.