The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index averaged 36.7 in 2014, the strongest in seven years. While the gauge slipped to 42.7 in the week ended Dec. 28 from 43.1, it was the second-highest level since October 2007.
After an erratic nine months, sentiment began to steadily improve as stronger employment gains and lowest fuel costs in five years began resonating with American consumers. Households last week had the most optimistic view of the economy since the end of 2007, indicating the expansion has room to run in 2015.
"The advances in the CCI align with recent positive economic news, including improving labor conditions, wages and economic output, as well as falling gas prices," Gary Langer, president of Langer Research Associates LLC in New York, which produces the data for Bloomberg, said in an e-mailed statement.
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