Consumer confidence up

August figures from The Conference Board showed an increase in the consumer confidence index, the first month of positive figures following 6 consecutive monthly declines since January. Falling gas prices was the main reason consumers felt less pessimistic. Economists say they can't underestimate the relief felt that gas prices are coming down, but there is still worry about a weak job market, tight credit conditions, and the housing slump. People who said jobs are "hard to get" rose to 32% from 30.2% in July. That figure means 1 in 3 persons are struggling to find jobs.