Consumer confidence rose sharply last month.

According to the Conference Board, U.S. consumer buying plans soared in April, with plans to buy autos, homes and major appliances climbing to a record high. The research group said its index of consumer confidence rose to 99.1, up more than two points from March. More than 11% of all households plan to buy an automobile during the next six months, jumping from an already strong 8.9% in March, the board said. Plans to buy homes advanced to 5% from 4.1% in March, and plans to buy major appliances leaped to 43.2%, up from 27.8% in the previous month.