The consumer confidence index surged to 56.0 in November from an upwardly revised 40.9 last month, the Conference Board reported Tuesday.
Economists polled by Thomson Reuters predicted the index would be 43.0.
The October index was originally reported as 39.8.
The present situation index grew to 38.3 from an upwardly revised 27.1, originally reported as 26.3, while the expectations index surged to 67.8 from an upwardly revised 50.0, originally reported as 48.7.
"Confidence has bounced back to levels last seen during the summer (July 59.2)," said Lynn Franco, director of the board's Consumer Research Center.
"Consumers' assessment of current conditions finally improved, after six months of steady declines," she said. "Consumers' apprehension regarding the short-term outlook for business conditions, jobs and income prospects eased considerably. Consumers appear to be entering the holiday season in better spirits, though overall readings remain historically weak."
Business conditions were called "good" by 13.3% of respondents in November, up from 11.2% in October. Those saying conditions are "bad" dropped to 38.2% from 43.7%.
