WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans are more confident in the economy than they have been in seven months, an encouraging sign for President Barack Obama with six weeks left in the presidential race.

A new survey of consumer confidence rose Tuesday to its highest level since February on expectations that hiring will soon pick up. And a separate report showed home values rising steadily, signaling sustained improvement in housing.

“This is like an opinion poll on the economy without the political parties attached,” said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics, a consulting firm. The confidence survey “says people are feeling better. If so, they are less likely to vote for change.”