The latest jump in gasoline prices jumped back to last fall’s record levels and likely eroded U.S. consumer confidence in April. The Conference Board Index is expected dip back to 105 after posting a 4-year high in March of 107. “The Conference Board’s consumer confidence improved quite significantly in March from 102.7 to 107.2. This could speak for a downward correction in April, with confidence returning to the 3 months moving average of about 106.” Said Peter Meister, Economist at BHF-Bank AG. “Additionally, rising gasoline prices might have weakened consumer confidence,” he declared. The March reading was the strongest since May of 2002 and was driven up by increases in the both the current conditions and future expectations indexes. Consumers are feeling a little better about the labour market now and for the next six months.