Consumer confidence up; slower economy expected

According to the Conference Board, U.S. consumer confidence increased modestly in June, rising from 104.7 to 105.7. However, uncertainty about the near future suggested that the economy may be poised to slow in the months ahead. "The slight bound-back in confidence this month was a result of the moderate improvement in consumers' expectations," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center. If this report is true, then you can expect the malls to be less crowded on the weekend. While you may not be planning on spending that much money over the summer, you at least feel a bit more confident about the market. (Read the full article)