Consumer confidence extends rise in December

New York (AP) The New York-based Conference Board says its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 52.9, up from a revised 50.6 in November. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters predicted a reading of 52.

The reading is still far short of the 90 that would signify a solid economy.

Economists watch consumer sentiment because spending on goods and services for consumers accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity.

The survey of 5,000 ran Dec. 1 through 21.