While consumers have managed to keep the U.S. out of a recession for several years now, that soon may no longer be the case.

Consumers appear to be weathering the steady rise in gas prices quite well,

[Consumers] are more optimistic about the outlook than last month. Historically, this trend is prevalent during a recovery.

The swift outcome in the Middle East has helped quell consumers' short-term concerns. While an increase of this magnitude occurred after the Persian Gulf War in 1991, this post-war surge differs in that both components of the index posted gains.

Once consumers file online, they tend to stay online. The number of people filing their federal taxes online continues to grow with do-it-yourself software paving the way. This year, nearly an equal proportion of consumers will file online using tax software as will file online using a professional service.

While the Index remains below its pre-Katrina levels, the shock of the hurricanes and subsequent leap in gas prices has begun wearing off just in time for the holiday season. Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect.