It's Tuesday, the 25th of January. I'm David Brancaccio. Americans at this point in history are an exuberant bunch.
Unemployment is low.
Income growth is strong, the stock market is booming. And consumers are generally thrilled. The Conference Board reported today that consumer confidence has soared to the highest level ever reached in the 32 years that data has been compiled. Consumers are proving their optimism in future economic conditions by spending. This is the bedrock of the surging economy.