Signs Indicate Consumer Mood Is Improving

Consumers are starting to open their wallets again, as new economic figures show a rise in factory output, a slightly better jobs picture and increased retail sales.

Americans aren't just buying necessities; they're beginning to once again purchase bigger-ticket items like clothing, cars and jewelry, The New York Times reported.

More than a year after the late 2008 economic meltdown, people are saving a bit less and spending a bit more -- a trend economists say could help drive the recovery.

Retailers reported better-than-expected earnings in recent periods and more positive news is expected Thursday, when they post their March sales numbers.

Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com, told the Times the consumers' mood has gone from panicked to cautious to "almost a bit giddy."

Still, economists warn, if these are indeed signs of bounce back, it's still only the beginning. A full economic recovery could take years.