Meantime, back in the real world:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/chicago-pmi-nearly-stable-at-625-in-december-2011-12-29
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The Chicago PMI for December dipped 0.1 point to 62.5, a better-than-forecast reading and the 27th month of expansion. Economists polled by MarketWatch had anticipated a 60.0 reading. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. âIt appears to be a good close to an up and down year,â said one respondent to the survey. âOur backlog remains solid with several new orders still pending,â added another.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/20...u-s-drop-to-three-year-low-in-past-month.html
Bloomberg
Jobless Claims in U.S. Drop to Three-Year Low in Past Month
December 30, 2011, 3:09 PM EST
By Bob Willis
(Updates with economist comment in fourth paragraph.)
Dec. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Fewer Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits over the past month than at any time in the past three years, a sign the U.S. labor market is on the mend heading into the new year.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/20...-u-s-existing-homes-rose-7-3-in-november.html
Bloomberg
Pending Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Rose 7.3% in November
December 30, 2011, 3:31 PM EST
By Timothy R. Homan
Dec. 29 (Bloomberg) -- The number of Americans signing contracts to buy previously owned homes rose more than forecast in November as falling prices and low borrowing costs boosted demand.
The index of pending home sales increased 7.3 percent to the highest level since April 2010 after climbing 10.4 percent the prior month, figures from the National Association of Realtors showed today in Washington. Economists forecast a 1.5 percent gain, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/busin...bout-economy/2011/12/27/gIQACQEUKP_story.html
Consumer confidence in December surges 10 points to 64.5 as shoppers feel better about economy
NEW YORK â Americans are gaining faith that the economy is on the upswing.
An improving job outlook helped the Consumer Confidence Index soar to the highest level since April and near a post-recession peak, according to a monthly survey by The Conference Board.
It marked the second straight monthly surge and coincided with whatâs wrapping up to be decent spending for the holiday shopping season.