Americans warily optimistic about economy

The RBC CASH Index, compiled by RBC Capital Markets Corp. of New York, rebounded to a reading of 39.0 in May, up from its all-time low of 29.5 in April, ending a string of six consecutive monthly declines.

The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ economic outlook, rose 24 points to a reading of -24.1 this month, but it still remained in negative territory for the sixth consecutive month.

The Current Conditions Index inched up to a reading of 57.4 in May, showing a slight increase from a reading of 54.6 last month, as consumers’ attitudes toward their current state of personal finances improved.

The Investments Index increased to a level of 60.7, up from a reading of 56.4 last month, as attitudes regarding stock and real estate investments remained relatively steady.

But the Jobs Index, which measures Americans' perception of their job security, fell to a reading of 93.7, its lowest level since January 2002, compared to a reading of 97 in April.

The indexes were compiled from a sample of 1,005 U.S. adults polled between May 5 and May 7 by Ipsos-Reid Public Affairs, a Toronto-based research company.