There are mixed signals coming through that seem to give some reason to believe the economy has begun to improve, both on the national level and right here in Suffolk.

At the national level, reports indicate unemployment claims appear to be moderating, contracts on new homes are on the rise and interest rates have begun to nudge higher. Locally, a small group of retailers interviewed this week gave good reviews to their holiday retail sales, noting that people in their stores seemed to be in better spirits and more interested in spending money than they have been in three years.

There’s still plenty of reason to be wary. Even though new unemployment claims are on a downward trend, the numbers are still historically high, and a distressingly large percentage of those who are unemployed have been so for years now. Despite the encouraging housing news, foreclosures also are on the rise, which is bad news not just for the people who lose their homes in the process but also for their neighbors, whose own homes lose value in the process.

Economists say the recession is over and has been for a while now. That may be true, but those of us who live right in the middle of the economy can be forgiven for our muted celebration.

Americans have had a tough couple of years. Many lost their jobs and their homes. Some have still not been able to find new jobs and, for them, homeownership is entirely out of reach. In short, as we enter a new year, there’s still reason for hope, but it is likely for many to be a cautious hope, tempered by the negative experiences they’ve been through during the past couple of years.