American consumer confidence improved in October after falling to its lowest level in 14 years the previous month, although persistent concerns about prices and household expenses continued to weigh on sentiment.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose 7.5 points to 91.7 in October, recovering from September’s reading of 84.2. The September figure was the lowest recorded since April 2014.

The October increase reflected improved assessments of current business conditions and a more positive short-term economic outlook. However, the rebound followed three consecutive months of declines in consumers’ expectations for the economy.

The Present Situation Index, which measures Americans’ views of current business and labor-market conditions, increased 8.6 points to 120.4. The Expectations Index, which tracks the outlook for income, business conditions and employment over the next six months, climbed 6.9 points to 72.6.

Despite the improvement, concerns about the cost of living remained widespread. Consumers continued to cite high grocery and food prices, along with energy costs, as sources of financial pressure. Average inflation expectations for the next 12 months declined in October but remained elevated at 5.8%.

Consumers also reported weaker plans to purchase durable goods and spend on many services in the coming months, suggesting that the improved confidence reading had not yet translated into stronger spending intentions.

The survey was conducted by The Conference Board from Oct. 1 through Oct. 21. While October’s results reversed part of September’s decline, consumer confidence remained well below levels that would indicate broad optimism about the economic outlook.