Increasingly confident

American consumers have been feeling more confident lately than they’ve been since 2000.

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 130.8 in February, the highest since November 2000, and up from 124.3 in January. Economists predict that the business research group’s index for March, due out Tuesday, will show consumer confidence edged up to 131. Readings of 90 or better reflect a healthy economy.