American Consumers’ Economic Expectations Are The Highest Since 2002

American consumers this month were the most upbeat about the economy than at any time in almost 15 years, according to Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures released Thursday.

The jump in optimism, on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as president, is consistent with other measures showing improved sentiment as a new administration and Congress consider lower taxes and looser regulation. Some 36 percent of those surveyed said the economy was getting better, with big gains over the last four months among Republicans, political independents, full-time workers and those living in the South and West. While confidence has increased, households need to follow through by boosting spending to have any positive economic impact.