1.   But even as optimism rises, analysts emphasize that the hard times may not be over.

2.   Consumer optimism has risen in recent months on the back of three quarter-point interest rate cuts, large windfalls from building societies and tax cuts.

3.   Optimism also is rising among businesses and consumers.

4.   Optimism rose at the talks in Wye Mills, Md., that settlement will be reached.

5.   This is the eighth consecutive week that optimism has risen.

6.   Until last week, optimism had been rising that the Saudis would at last allow U.S. oil companies to explore and drill for oil in their country.

7.   Optimism rose that the EU leaders will now agree to a treaty on closer union at a summit in Amsterdam in June.