The Consumer Confidence Index, or the optimism of the U.S. economy, is now at 59.8, up from 58.5 (August). That was a small, unexpected, rise for the month of September as economists were expecting a rating of roughly 55%.

The information was gathered before the political mess known as the financial bailout took place so any fear the consumer / general public is experiencing is not yet reflected in the data.

If Fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD for you sales and techie types) is still in the market over the next few weeks, expect this number to fall – along with spending.

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