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.

Recently shaken by the government shutdown and debt ceiling negotiations, Americans’ confidence in the economy has already begun to rebound after lawmakers reached a deal to avoid defaulting on the nation’s debt. According to Gallup’s most recent Economic Confidence Index, Americans responded positively to news that the shutdown had ended, leading to the first improvement in economic confidence since September 15. But despite the gains, 69 percent of Americans still say the economy is getting worse while just 27 percent say it’s getting better. And the index, though improved, is still significantly lower than it was in May and early June when it peaked for the year. Overall, Americans’ perception of where the economy is headed was damaged by nearly a month’s worth of economic uncertainty but appears to have rebounded quickly. More here.