Confidence Up Fear Down

After yesterday's dismal losses, stock futures pointed to a brighter outlook this morning.  News that parts of a deal to shore up Europes splintering economies had been formulated was welcomed by traders early in the session.  The Consumer Sentiment figures came in with a rosy swagger improving to a six month high and stocks moved another leg forward.  The VIX index, which gauges the level of fear in the marketplace, moved down again today to 27.62 far from its high of 90 in December of 2008.  The Dow rallied to gain back 186 points.