U.S. consumer confidence rose in August to its highest level in 11 months, suggesting economic growth could pick up in the second half of the year. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 101.1, up from 96.7 in July. It was the highest level for confidence since the index hit 102.6 last September.

The gain reflected consumers' brighter views about current the economic situation and their expectations for the future. Economists said that the climb in confidence reflected stronger job gains seen in recent months, as well as strength in the stock market and home prices, which boost consumers' net worth.

They expect the momentum in jobs to boost incomes and spur stronger consumer spending. That should help growth accelerate in the second half of this year, after four quarters of an anemic average growth rate of 1.2 percent. Many analysts believe gross domestic product will top 3 percent in the current quarter.

-- Associated Press