Lynn Franco Both Quotations

Growing optimism about the overall health of the economy continues to bolster consumers' short-term outlook. But consumers' assessment of current conditions, which strongly hinges on improvements in the labor market, remains both weak and volatile.

The swift outcome in the Middle East has helped quell consumers' short-term concerns. While an increase of this magnitude occurred after the Persian Gulf War in 1991, this post-war surge differs in that both components of the index posted gains.

CEO confidence has slipped considerably over the past two quarters, as both current conditions and expectations have softened,