WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans were more optimistic about their incomes and personal finances this month, particularly among lower and middle-class households, lifting consumers' outlook. Steady hiring and rising wages and salaries are slowly lifting Americans' confidence in the economy, though it remains muted by historical standards. "Consumer sentiment and confidence indices have been erratic in recent months, but they remain at comparatively healthy levels," Joshua Shapiro, chief economist at MFR Inc., said in a note to clients.