IN BRIEF

Consumer confidence stabilizes during March

Americans seem more resigned to the hardships of the recession as consumer confidence stabilized in March after falling to an all-time low in February.

The Consumer Confidence Index issued Tuesday by the New York-based Conference Board edged up to 26.0 in March from a revised 25.3 reading in February. It had fallen from 37.4 in January and is less than half its level of a year ago.

HOUSTON

Crude prices rise as traders shake off fears

Crude prices rose Tuesday along with equity markets.

Benchmark crude for May delivery rose $1.25 to settle at $49.66 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices had declined for the past two trading days after a sustained rally throughout March.

NEW YORK

Treasury prices climb after economic reports

Treasury prices rose Tuesday after downbeat data on consumer confidence and Chicago-area manufacturing.

The benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose 0.47 points to 100.72. Its yield fell to 2.68 percent late Tuesday from 2.71 percent late Monday. Prices move opposite to yields.