US consumer confidence rises as gas prices ease

US consumer confidence rose in October as gasoline prices eased, the Conference Board said Tuesday, one week before midterm elections.

The group's Consumer Confidence Index increased by 7.5 points to 91.7 in October.

Fergus McCormick, senior economist at the Conference Board, said the recovery was in line with retail gasoline prices easing from September to October. He said confidence nevertheless remained on a long-term downward trend that has persisted for several years.

The data comes ahead of the November 3 elections, when control of Congress will be decided. The rising cost of living remains a central concern for voters.