Consumer confidence rebounded in July from a sharp drop last month, suggesting that consumers are optimistic that the U.S. economy is headed in the right direction. The Conference Board said today that its Consumer Confidence Index increased to 141.7 in July, up from 139.2 last month though well below the record of 144.7 set in January. Meanwhile, sales of existing U.S. homes rose in June to their highest level since August of last year, an industry trade group said today.