Sina, Dec. 6 (Xinhua)-- US consumer confidence rose to a seven-month high as record highs in the stock market boosted optimism and shopping attitudes became more positive, coupled with a strong non-farm payrolls data released earlier. Economic optimism is heating up again.

Data released on Friday showed that the preliminary index of consumer confidence at the University of Michigan rose to 99.2 in December from 96.8 in November, with only one economist interviewed by Bloomberg making a higher forecast. The status quo index rose to an one-year high of 115.2, while the expected index rose to its highest level since July.

Consumers with rising confidence are mainly concentrated in high-income families, who benefited most from the stock market, which hit an all-time high at the end of November, the report said. It was also the fourth month in a row that the index rose. The index fell to its lowest level in nearly three years in August because of concerns about the impact of tariffs on the economy.

The index of household durable goods purchases rose to its highest level in a year, driven by new discounts, suggesting good holiday sales prospects for retailers. In addition, the outlook for future employment and income has spurred an increase in car-buying programs.

"the rise in the index in early December was driven almost entirely by high-income families, who reported near-record increases in household wealth, mainly due to a rise in the stock market and mainly to pension accounts." Said Richard Curtin, head of consumer research at the University of Michigan.

Long-term inflation is expected to fall to 2.3 per cent, the lowest level on record since the survey began. Fed policymakers are keeping a close eye on this figure.

Expectations for inflation in the coming year fell to 2.4% from 2.5% in November.