Rising confidence

Americans are feeling more confident.

That’s certainly the impression left by the latest survey of the Conference Board, a business research group. The board’s measure of confidence jumped in March to its highest point since the pandemic triggered a deep recession a year ago.

The increase in its confidence index — from 90.4 to 109.7 — suggests that the gradual waning of the pandemic and increased vaccinations, the distribution of

$1,400 relief checks and the easing of business restrictions have brightened Americans’ outlook.

Stronger consumer confidence typically fuels higher spending and, in turn, economic growth. Americans have collectively

saved roughly $2.5 trillion during the pandemic. The Conference Board’s survey also found that more Americans plan to buy

a car, a home or a major appliance within six months. And their view of

the job market — long a reliable gauge of future hiring — has improved: More than 26% of respondents say jobs are “plentiful”; nearly 19% say they’re “hard to get.” (The rest say “not so plentiful.”) The 7-point gap between the two categories is the widest since the pandemic struck.