U.S. consumer confidence ticks up in July (by Ruth Mantell)

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. consumer confidence ticked up in July, the Conference Board reported Tuesday, while the level remained relatively low and job concerns persisted. The July consumer confidence index rose to 51.9 from a June reading that was revised to 51.0 from a prior estimate of 50.4. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected a July reading of 50.0. The percentage of consumers saying jobs are "hard to get" rose to 30.3% in July from 29.7% in June.