Consumer confidence has climbed in recent weeks, according to the latest results from the Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household Index from RBC Capital Markets.

It reveals that US citizens feel more optimistic about the future, with 38 per cent expecting their personal financial situation to be stronger in six months' time.

This helped overall consumer confidence to climb 35 points to 69.2, compared to just 33.8 in August.

Outlining the possible reasons behind the boost in confidence, T.J. Marta, a strategist at RBC, said falling oil and gasoline prices may have contributed.

Marta also suggested the recent bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could have had an impact as many hope they will help to breathe life back into the housing market.

The latest figures from the Federal Reserve also show that growth in consumer debt slowed in July to 2.1 per cent, down from 5.1 per cent in June.

US citizens expecting a change in their financial fortunes in the future but struggling to make ends meet at the moment may consider pay day loans to help them meet bills and other costs in the short-term.

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