Consumer Confidence Ticks Up Slightly, Still Near Record-Low

A measure of consumer confidence showed that sentiment ticked up slightly in March, though it still hovers near record lows.

The Conference Board combines a number of survey factors to compute its monthly consumer confidence index. In February, the number stood at 25.3, near the all-time low of 25, dating back to 1967.

The March number rose slightly to 26.

"Apprehension about the outlook for the economy, the labor market and earnings continues to weigh heavily on consumers' attitudes," said Lynn Franco, director of the industry group's Consumer Research Center. "More job losses are on the horizon."

The index reported that buying intentions for new cars from 4.7 percent to 3.9 percent in March. Only 2 percent of respondents said they plan to purchase a home in the next six months, down from 2.3 percent.

-- Frank Ahrens
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