Consumer confidence jumped in December to a five-month high as consumers reacted positively to job growth and economic expansion.

The Conference Board, a New York based business information group, reported that its index of consumer confidence soared by nearly 10 points to 102.3 in December from 92.6 in November. It was the highest level for the indicator since its reading of 105.7 in July.

The index easily surpassed economists’ forecast for a December reading of 94.6.

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