The tax-cut compromise and rising corporate profits and consumer spending are some of the reasons for optimism.

The increase was the second-largest in PNC Wealth Management’s Christmas Price Index since it was started.

Cubans will be allowed to work for themselves in 178 activities in the private sector and even hire employees, according to guidelines published Friday as the communist government moves quickly to shed half a million state jobs and provide alternatives for workers.

Economists and even governments now claim there might be better ways to take measure of a country’s wealth and happiness.