WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence fell in April over concerns about hiring and business conditions, even though many people foresee a strengthening economy in the months ahead.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its confidence index dropped to 82.3 from a March reading of 83.9. Despite the decline, consumer sentiment for the past two months has been at its strongest levels since January 2008, when the Great Recession was just beginning.

Recommended Stories

Russia shuts down last independent newspaper

Polish president scrambles back from overseas trip amid Donald Tusk-led ‘coup d’état’ at police-swarmed Constitutional Tribunal

NYT report on Alaska ballot stacking is ‘five-alarm fire’ and ‘obvious’ cheating: Joe Concha