[Consumers] are more optimistic about the outlook than last month. Historically, this trend is prevalent during a recovery.

Looking ahead, the CEOs are cautiously optimistic but not as optimistic about the short-term outlook as they were at the end of 2004.

A decline of more than 40 cents (a gallon) in gasoline prices this month and the improving job outlook have combined to help restore consumers' confidence.

A decline of more than 40 cents in gasoline prices this month and the improving job outlook have combined to help restore consumers' confidence.

While consumers have managed to keep the U.S. out of a recession for several years now, that soon may no longer be the case.

Consumers appear to be weathering the steady rise in gas prices quite well,