(Reuters.) – U.S. consumer sentiment rose slightly in March from a low reading a month ago. Americans are now more positive about current economic conditions due to a healthier job market. However, they remain concerned over inflation and the conflict in Ukraine that has further darkened their prospects.

On Tuesday, the Conference Board reported that its index of consumer confidence rose to 107.2 from 105.7 in February. Reuters had polled economists and found that they expected the index to fall to 107.0 in March, compared with the initial reported reading of 110.5 for February.

Due to an extensive downward revision of February, this reading is now at its lowest level in one year. Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February. That event triggered an international surge in oil prices which drove U.S. gasoline prices higher than ever before.

Lynn Franco, senior director for economic indicators at The Conference Board, Washington, stated that “The Present Situation Index increased substantially” suggesting continued economic growth into the second quarter. Consumers cited rising gas prices and war in Ukraine as reasons for their decreased expectations.