Consumers gaining confidence as gas prices slide

U.S. consumers grew more confident for the second month in a row as gas prices continued to fall.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 108 in September, from 103.6 in August. The back-to-back monthly increases follow three straight monthly declines as American households were hammered by rising prices, particularly at the gas pump.

The business research group's present situation index — which measures consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions — also rose again, to 149.6 in September from 145.3 in August. The board's expectations index — a measure of consumers' six-month outlook for income, business and labor conditions — rose to 80.3 in September from 75.8 in August.