Since this is in my realm, I'll add in two cents.
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Comparing consumer confidence numbers to be pre-9/11, isn't quite accurate as the numbers had been averaging down since 2000 and 1998-2000 were outside of historical norms, as they were actually peak numbers. U.S. consumer confidence numbers are right now (and have been for the past two years) bumping up to what are the standard historical average highs. Our company watches these numbers along with others quite closely and consumer behavior is mirroring other times of highs virtually the same as the corresponding numbers during the past two decades.
When history is written about the '08 recovery considering it to be weak will most likely not be the headline. The recovery not only in historical terms rapidly pulled out of a decent into the abyss, but it also occurred during a major transitory time in our nation's history. The changes in the economy over the past decade are as major as the industrial revolution for employees and some have been trapped because of the rapidly changing nature of jobs and skill-sets. Look at the claim about manufacturing, bring the jobs and factories back home. The same as in Britain. The truth of the matter is that we've had a significant increase in manufacturing over the past five years and it continues to grow, but the volume of jobs don't return with the plants because they're being filled with automation, robotics, and much smaller human staff.
It looks to be an ushering in of a new norm with an advanced economy with 2-3% annual GDP, which to the market set is a "weak" or failing economic run, but it reality, it's quite healthy. When our corporations and Congress come to grips with the reality of where GDP growth is trending long-term, then maybe they'll finally deal with the mountain of issues confronting the country.
Sorry about going off the rails, but this stuff is very important to my job, and I have to stay up on everything.