Business confidence index rises

A business confidence index for the Bay State rose 3.3 points from April to 57.2 in May, Associated Industries of Massachusetts said.

A rebound in optimism about business conditions probably accounted for the increase, said the group, a nonprofit association representing more than 7,600 businesses and institutions.

Still, the index was slightly below its 57.5 reading in May 2006.

The index has fluctuated in recent months. Raymond Torto, cochairman of the group’s board of economic advisers, said the likely cause was ‘‘mixed signals from the economy and from the state’s political leaders.’’
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)