Forward!

The consumer confidence index reached the highest level in 5 years in the report issued October 12th.  Some gave credit to the drop in unemployment.  But despite the 7.8% headline, the underlying numbers were only a slight improvement.  Consumers respond to what they see and feel.  We now have the answer.

The home market is improving.  A reduction in foreclosures, and a flurry of sold signs, improves the mood of a neighborhood.  Romney proving, in the first debate,  that he was not a troll under a bridge, overwhelmed the initial impact of the housing trend.  But this trend, combined with a good final debate for Obama, could put Romney on a bridge to nowhere.  At least he can be heartened that his four houses have gained value.