The release of loan-loss provisions helped boost the U.S. bank's earnings
But consumers are more optimistic about current conditions than they are about the near future
The bank reported earnings of almost $3 billion for the quarter
Out of 18 service sector categories, 14 reported growth in December
Business activity continued to expand in October, even while slower than in September
The result reverses the U.S. bank's second-quarter losses
Prices for used vehicles saw largest monthly gain since 1969