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The New York based non-profit "Conference Board" has been indexing the economy and trends in the global marketplace, and their findings in April are optimistic. They have determined that consumer confidence is rising, as is the general economic outlook of those surveyed.
This particular survey, the "Consumer Confidence Survey" is "based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The baseline reading of 100 was set when surveying began in 1985." Although this sample is relatively small and obviously subjective, it is an important survey nonetheless and carries with it effects on the Stock Market as well as the U.S. Treasury. This particular jump in April of almost 13 points is the largest one month jump since November 2005.
The Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 39.2. That’s up from 26.9 in March. This is very welcome news as with it stocks jumped, and some may see it is a positive sign that the recession is nearing a bottom. The Expectations Index, another survey in the study, rose from 30.2 to 49.5. All of this points to signs that there is more confidence in the economy, and that there are positive results being seen from the stimulus package. How's this for some positive news, and an optimistic look at our economy. I can only hope that it continues to get better, and that the tough decisions from Washington to main street are proved to be smart decisions in the end.
The YouTube link is a nice explanation of the CCI for those like me who could use a nice tutorial, I would recommend even if it is a bit dry.