The Economic Planning Agency said Tuesday its quarterly survey of consumer confidence showed an improvement in June for the fourth consecutive quarter.

The consumer confidence index as of June 15 rose 0.9 point from March to a seasonally adjusted 43.1, its highest level since the 43.3 recorded in September 1996.

The index is calculated by assigning points on the basis of whether consumers believe conditions will "improve," "improve somewhat," "remain unchanged," "worsen a bit," or "worsen" in five areas in the coming six months.