Consumer confidence rises in November after five months of losses

NEW YORK (AP) -- Consumer confidence rose in November, reversing a five-month trend, thanks to improved expectations about employment and income, a private research group reported Tuesday.

The New York-based Conference Board said its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 84.1 from a revised 79.6 in October. Analysts had been expecting a reading of 85.0.

The industry group's index, based on a monthly survey of some 5,000 U.S. households, is closely watched because consumer confidence drives consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the nation's economic activity.

The index compares results with its base year, 1985, when it stood at 100.

The Conference Board report showed a minor improvement in consumers' confidence about current economic conditions.