CHICAGO - Americans' confidence in the economy improved modestly in January for the third straight month, as they begin to feel slightly better about business conditions and the job picture, according to a survey released Tuesday. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index increased to 55.9 - the highest in more than a year but still relatively gloomy. That compares with 53.6 in December. Economists watch confidence numbers because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity. It takes a reading of 90 to indicate an economy on solid footing and 100 or more to indicate growth.

- Associated Press

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