In this Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, photo, people shop on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in Philadelphia. Americans' confidence in the economy surged in October to the highest level in nearly

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In this Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, photo, people shop on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in Philadelphia. Americans' confidence in the economy surged in October to the highest level in nearly five years, as many were encouraged by an improving job market. The Conference Board said Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, that its consumer confidence index increased in October to 72.2. That's up from 70.3 in September and the highest reading since February 2008, two months into the Great Recession. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) less