The latest data from the Conference Board showed that consumer confidence rose slightly in October but it still remains near historically low levels. The group reported that its index of consumer attitudes rose to 50.2 in October from a revised 48.6 in September.

Meantime, the median of 72 forecasts from analysts polled by Reuters was for a reading of 49.2. Forecasts ranged from 45.0 to 53.0.

The expectations index rose to 67.8 in October from 65.5 last month. The present situation index increased to 23.9 from 23.3.

Low figures reflect consumers’ concerns about the labor market which is further worsening. The "jobs hard to get" index rose to 46.1 percent from 45.8 percent while the "jobs plentiful" index slipped to 3.5 percent from 3.8.