Worried optimists forecast cloudy times ahead but no great downpour.
Prosperity Allays Fear of Recession Americans, when asked to describe their own personal economic situation, are relatively upbeat. About one in five say they are in really good shape, and roughly the same amount say they are barely getting by. The golden coin quickly became a collectors' item as Americans worry it's too good to last. Rising Energy Costs Play Significant Role Bush has made the overhaul of U.S. energy policy a major priority for his administration, ranking perhaps third in importance behind education and cutting taxes. The teflon Fed chairman gets credit for economic gains, escapes blame for negative aspects.