Consumer Confidence Measures Rose Moderately In December

Both of the major consumer confidence measures rose moderately in December, as continued strong jobs growth and moderating inflation, driven by falling energy prices, buoyed consumers.   The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index rose 5.1% in December’s final reading, hitting 59.7, up from 56.8 in November. The Expectations Index rose 7.7% to 59.9. The…