Americans are feeling a little better about the economy as gas prices ease (opens in new tab)

By Elisabeth Buchwald, Lucy Bayly, CNN (CNN) — After months of souring views driven in part by a surge in gas prices, Americans are feeling more and more optimistic about the economy, according to new data released Friday. Consumer sentiment rose this month from an earlier reading of 48.9 to a final reading of 49.5, The post appeared first on <a href="