10:23 AM EST, 12/03/2024 (MT Newswires) -- The first look at consumer confidence for December rose from November, with the RealClearMarkets' monthly index increasing to 54.0 from 53.2 in the previous month, though only one of its three components increased,

A reading above 50 suggests optimism, while a reading below 50 suggests pessimism. This was only the second reading above the breakeven point since August 2021, which RealClearMarkets attributed to the reelection of Donald Trump as president.

The six-month outlook index decreased to 55.6 in December from 55.9 in November, the outlook for personal finances decreased to 58.7 from 61.0 and the measure of confidence in Federal Economic Policies increased to 47.7 from 42.7, still below the breakeven point.

The Financial Related Stress Index declined to 60.3 in December from 67.5 in November, an indication of decreased financial concerns.

"Financial stress eased significantly in December, recording its 42-month low, a welcome sign of confidence Americans place in the new president's economic policies," said Raghavan Mayur, president of polling company TechnoMetrica.

Still, 80% of Americans remain worried about inflation, and 75% are concerned about a slowdown in the next 12 months, Mayur noted.