State Consumer Confidence Gains Five Points

GAINESVILLE, FL-The consumer confidence index in Florida rose unexpectedly this month by five points, but the rally may be short-lived, according to the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. The increase crosses all age and income levels, pushing the index to 74, its highest level since December 2007.

“The sharp rise was somewhat of a surprise,” says Chris McCarty, the bureau’s survey director in Gainesville. “In the past we have seen similar jumps in the January index, perhaps in response to the financial stress associated with the holidays and the economic turbulence of the past year.”

All components in the index increased, including perceptions of whether this is a good time to buy big-ticket items, personal finances in recent and future years, and business conditions in the next five years. Floridians’ view of the stock market and housing also factor into final number.