U.S. consumer mood brightens, but home price gains slow

Via Steven C. Johnson NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. consumers’ temper more suitable as 2013 drew to a close, with many optimistic about their future job possibilities, whereas home costs rose again in October, although the % of positive aspects slowed. The info releases provided extra evidence of energy in the U.S. financial system, which seems to have overcome headwinds because of an autumn government shutdown, better taxes and rising loan charges. We had higher GDP growth despite the fact that rates of interest have long gone up with the Fed,” said Gus Faucher, senior economist at PNC Financial Products and Services, adding “2014 will probably be a better year with much less fiscal drag.” The upward thrust in the Convention Board’s index of consumer attitudes to seventy eight.1 in December introduced it to inside reach of ranges final seen before a standoff in Congress over fiscal coverage led to the federal government to close down in October. “Regardless of the many challenges throughout 2013, consumers are in better spirits as of late than when the year started out,” Lynn Franco, director of commercial indicators at The Convention Board, mentioned in a statement.