The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index increased again in October, following a modest improvement in September. The Index now stands at 137.9 (1985=100), up from 135.3 in September. The Present Situation Index -- based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions -- improved from 169.4 to 172.8. The Expectations Index -- based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions -- increased from 112.5 last month to 114.6 this month.