“Consumers shielded the economy from global headwinds for most of 2019 but they won’t prove immune to the coronavirus outbreak."
The gain reflected a surge in confidence among lower-income households that have benefited from the GOP's tax cuts.
The National Association of Home Builders index falls 3 points but "builder confidence is still on very firm ground."
The gain "represents the result of an unprecedented partisan divergence, with Democrats expecting recession and Republicans expecting robust growth."
The post-election boost to sentiment may have fizzled but February's reading was still among the five highest in the past decade.
The University of Michigan's index reaches its highest level in nearly two years, reflecting consumers' initial reactions to Donald Trump's victory.
A closely watched index shows its first advance in four months as consumers also express optimism about their personal finances.
Large increases in the minimum wage could have severe long-term effects.
In preliminary results for March, the University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment fell to 91.2, from 95.4 last month.
A five-point drop in the University of Michigan survey means lower consumer spending could last for awhile.
Personal consumption expenditures decreased $40 billion, or 0.3%, in December, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said, mostly due to slowing car sales.
HR professionals say they have more openings for staff accountants than last year, but companies are still exercising restraint when filling positions.
