confidence is a relative thing, people has to put their

money somewhere, people are fleeing Europe, China, .. Does it mean their confidence in US is growing?

You said "Moreover, Everyone, at least on the street, awaits for the other leg to drop from the US banks", do u know there is a saying in the market, "do not follow the herd!!!!!!!!!". Economy cycle is caused by this herd mentality. When market is bullish, every one is bullish, when market is bearish, every one is bearish, :)