Following the government shutdown in October, Americans’ confidence in the economy tumbled. But ever since that plunge, confidence has been slowly returning. And according to Gallup’s most recent Economic Confidence Index, Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions has almost completely rebounded to levels last seen in mid-September. On the other hand, the index component measuring future outlook, which took a heavier hit during the shutdown, remains 11 points below mid-September levels – though it has recovered 24 points since its post-shutdown low. Gallup’s report says economic confidence should be more positive than negative next year, as long as home and stock prices keep rising and the job market continues to improve. More here.