Consumer confidence increased in April to the second-highest level in more than eight years as Americans grew more upbeat about their financial prospects.

For employed Americans, the probability of being fired hasnt been this low in almost 15 years.

Among other reports Tuesday, home prices in 20 U.S. cities appreciated at a faster pace in the year ended in January.

Record stock prices and steadily increasing home values have made U.S. households wealthier.

Obesity is weighing on the economy.

Jobless claims increased by 7,000 to 320,000 in the week ended Feb. 28, the most since May.

Jobless claims increased by 31,000 to 313,000 in the week ended Feb. 21 from a revised 282,000 in the prior period.

Consumer confidence fell more than forecast in February as the initial elation over the drop in fuel prices waned and Americans grew less optimistic about prospects for employment and income.