The Dow Jones Industrial Average has once again topped 12,000 — a level not seen since the summer of 2008, when the deepening financial crisis was on the verge of bringing the bull market to its knees. Stock analysts say it can provide investors with a much-needed psychological boost.
Also more confident, the American consumer may have resolved to be more optimistic about the U.S. economy this year. The consumer confidence index shot up this month to its highest level in 8 months.
(READ stock news at SmartMoney.com and consumer report at The Atlantic)