The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had increased in December, rose sharply in January. The Index now stands at 102.9 (1985=100), up from 93.1 in December. Analysts were anticipating smaller increase to 95.2.The Present Situation Index rose to 112.6 from 99.9, while the Expectations Index increased to 96.4 from 88.5 in December.
Separate report showed that sales of new single-family houses in December 2014 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 481,000, above expected rate of 452,000. This is 11.6% above the revised November rate of 431,000 and is 8.8% above the December 2013 estimate of 442,000.
Data did not have major impact on the markets. Euro is currently being traded few points above 1.1350 level, Sterling is around 1.5170 area, while Aussie is at 0.7950 level.