Sentiment vs. reality: The economy is telling two stories How is the economy doing? Based on surveys alone, one would think it is booming. Consumer confidence soared to a 16-year high in a Conference Board poll released this week. Surveys of small-business owners reflected optimism since the election. Chief executives of the largest U.S. companies say they are more optimistic now, according to a Business Roundtable survey. But just because people say they are optimistic doesn’t mean everything is great again. (The Wall Street Journal)