Consumer confidence rises in June

LONDON (Reuters) - Consumer confidence rose in June as people became more optimistic about the future of the economy, a survey showed on Wednesday.

The Nationwide consumer confidence index rose to 58 in June from an upwardly revised 54 in May, almost reaching the 59 reading a year earlier. The original reading for May was 53.

Nationwide said the increase was driven by the expectations index which shows that consumers are more confident the economy will be better than today in 6 months time.

"For the first time since the launch of the Consumer Confidence Index, more people expect the economic situation in six months time to be better than believe it will be worse," said Martin Gahbauer, Nationwide's chief economist.

(Reporting by Sumeet Desai; Editing by Victoria Main)