Associated Press
July 7, 2004

NEW YORK - Overall consumer confidence extended its recent string of gains last week, according to the latest ABC News/Money Magazine poll.

The poll's consumer comfort index rose three points to negative 8 in the week ended July 4, from negative 11 a week earlier, according to the survey.

The index has risen a total of 12 points since mid-June and currently stands at its best level since February.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

According to the survey, 41 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the economy, up from 40 percent the week before.

Also, 55 percent of those polled said their own finances were in good standing, up from 54 percent in the prior week. In assessing the buying climate, 42 percent of respondents said it was good, up from 40 percent a week earlier.

The consumer comfort index was based on a random survey of 1,000 respondents nationwide ended July 4. The results were released Tuesday.

The index measures typical Americans' confidence in three areas: the national economy, their own finances, and their willingness to spend money, according to the report.

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