June 27, the Wall Street Journal published an article by Kelly Evans stating that "Americans are saving more, amid rising confidence."  Does that mean the end is in sight?  There is no one to ring the bell at the bottom but perhaps we are just about there as housing starts are rising while interest rates remain low and consumer sentiment is beginning to rise, ever so slowly.

"Some think the high saving rate will keep a lid on consumer spending and a broader recovery. But for now, the outlook for U.S. growth this year is improving.

Friday's reports cap a week that also showed improvement in business spending last month and a smaller drop in first-quarter economic growth than previously thought. Many economists now expect the recession, which began in December 2007, to end in the third quarter of this year.

There are several obstacles weighing on prospects for a quick recovery. Households are facing the weakest labor market in decades, as the U.S. unemployment rate -- 9.4% as of May..."