About a month ago, in this blog, we talked about how 2011’s Black Friday sales greatly exceeded expectations.  Many people believe a given year’s Black Friday performance is a good barometer for consumer spending in the following holiday season, and even beyond.

Maybe they’re right! According to a recent ABC News story, stock prices have already risen dramatically in the brand new year.

Could it really be? Since the stock market took a massive nosedive in October/November 2008, our country has been deeply stuck in a pretty rotten recession. Budgets were cut, businesses closed, and many people lost their jobs, their savings and even their homes.

Finally, a glimmer of hope for a stronger U.S. economic market. Granted, some of the rise may be attributed to “The January Effect”, but a rise of 260 points in one day seems to suggest greatly boosted confidence in our growing economic market.

Is your business prepared to address consumers in a healthier market, with larger budgets to spend and less concern over expenditures? How can your business capitalize through advertising? We’d be happy to talk to you about it.