Americans are feeling pretty good about the economy - or at least better than they have in eight months.  A new report indicated that consumer confidence is at its highest level since September of last year.

This is an interesting fact considering what has been going on lately (and is right over the horizon).  For example: North Korea has been testing nukes again.  And GM’s almost sure to declare bankruptcy in a few days.

Just the same, though, this newfound (or rediscovered) happiness is quite useful in one respect.  The Dow rose by almost 200 hundred points (or 2.37 percent) today, as the Nasdaq gained roughly 60 points (or 3.45 percent).

This is the second monthly confidence gain in a row, too, so we may be officially digging our way out of the recession.

Heck, maybe the GM bankruptcy will even help, if consumers start seeing massive rebates on new trucks and cars.