Are consumers back from the dead?

By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney
2009-5-4 12:20:03

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- This Thursday is D-Day for the nation's biggest banks. That's when regulators will release the eagerly awaited results of the stress tests conducted on the 19 largest financial institutions.

But that's not the only important news that will be out that day. It's also when most top retailers will be releasing sales figures for April.

Investors should pay close attention because it will be the first real glimpse into whether consumers really are feeling more confident about the economy.

Even though the stock market has rallied sharply in the past two months on hopes that the recession may soon be over, it's still unclear whether the economy can quickly bounce back or if the road to recovery will be a slow, tough slog.

One thing is certain, though. For the economy to rebound, consumers are going to have to lead the way. Consumer spending makes up about two-thirds of the nation's overall economy.

	Investment Basic Investment Overview Investment Approache Fundamentals Data Investment Stories www.fxj108.com	Are consumers back from the dead? By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney 2009-5-4 12:20:03 NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- This Thursday is D-Day for the nation's biggest banks. That's when regulators will release the eagerly awaited results of the stress tests conducted on the 19 largest financial institutions. But that's not the only important news that will be out that day. It's also when most top retailers will be releasing sales figures for April. Investors should pay close attention because it will be the first real glimpse into whether consumers really are feeling more confident about the economy. Even though the stock market has rallied sharply in the past two months on hopes that the recession may soon be over, it's still unclear whether the economy can quickly bounce back or if the road to recovery will be a slow, tough slog. One thing is certain, though. For the economy to rebound, consumers are going to have to lead the way. Consumer spending makes up about two-thirds of the nation's overall economy.