U.S. consumer-confidence index hits highest level in five years

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch)
The U.S. consumer confidence index climbed to a five-year high of 76.2 in May from an upwardly revised 69.0 in April, the Conference Board said
The increase beat the forecast of economists polled by MarketWatch, who expected the index to rise to 72.3
Consumers were more optimistic about the health of the economy over the next six months
The expectations index jumped to 82.4 from 74.3 in April to mark the highest level in seven months
They were somewhat less optimistic about how they feel right now
The present situation index rose to 66.7 from 61.0
Consumers are "considerably more upbeat about future economic and job prospects," said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at the Conference Board
"Back-to-back monthly gains suggest that consumer confidence is on the mend and may be regaining the traction it lost due to the fiscal cliff, payroll-tax hike and sequester."