Consumer confidence highest in 18 months

Consumer confidence hit its highest level in 18 months bolstered by steadily improving economic news. 

April's index increased to 57.9 up from 52.3 in March, exceeding economic forecasts and logging the best performance since September 2008, according to the monthly index released Tuesday by the Conference Board in New York. 

"Consumers' concerns about current business and labor market conditions eased again," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. " Looking ahead, continued growth will be key in sustaining positive momentum." 

Consumers expected more jobs in the months ahead increased to 18 percent from 14.1 percent while those anticipating few jobs declined to 20 percent from 21.4 percent. 

Americans' outlook for the next six months also improved to 19.8 percent in April from 18 percent in March, the highest level since October 2007, two months before the recession began, according to the report.