WASHINGTON - American consumers drive the economy, and by all accounts they have been more confident lately due to more jobs and small improvements in the U.S. stock market, MarketWatch reports. Consumer spending accounts for up to 70% economic movement.

But rising gasoline prices could stem spending, leading to another economic slowdown like last year??s midyear cooling after an increase in pump prices. However, most economic analysts think the country will continue to build on its current momentum, expanding moderately even as China and Europe seem to be weakening.

"The rest of the world has show signs of slowing, but we have enough 'home grown?? economic strength to offset some of that weakness for the next few months," said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Services.

Recently, NACS released a new backgrounder to explain why gasoline prices typically bump up in the spring. "As gas prices continue to dominate daily conservations, whether on the evening news or in political speeches, it??s important to discuss what is at the root of today??s high prices," said NACS Vice President of Industry Advocacy Jeff Lenard.