It was just last summer that the Dow Jones industrial average shed 2,000 points in three terrifying weeks. Investors had a host of things to worry about, including the possibility of another recession.
A drop in the unemployment rate to its lowest in three years propelled the Dow Jones industrial average Friday to its highest close since before the 2008 financial crisis. The Nasdaq composite index hit an 11-year high.
Even with continuing fears about the sluggish national economy and the European debt crisis, Wall Street had a rip-roaring month in January- and many expect the trend to continue.
The uncertainties of the economy and stock markets over the past decade have created an attitude of "spend now, rather than lose it in the future."
The Dow Jones industrial average surged 337 points following encouraging signs out of Europe and a jump in apartment construction in the U.S. It was the best day for U.S. stocks this month.