ANN ARBOR (WKZO) -- Higher stock prices and rising home values help boost consumer confidence in September to the second highest level in almost five years.

This according to the University of Michigan's index which shows a rise from 74 point three in August to 78 point three this month. Economist Joel Naroff says the index shows Americans now see better days ahead on the jobs front and in other areas of the economy too.

All this could have wider implications with a national election just over a month away helping incumbents. .