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U.S. consumer confidence rose this month to the highest level since September, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

The first index for April increased to 61.9, from a 57.3 reading in March, the survey said. It reached a 28-year low, 55.3, in November 2008, Bloomberg reported.

An improvement n confidence may increase consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of the economy, Bloomberg said.