Plunging oil prices worldwide resulting in falling prices at the pump might just be the saving grace of back-to-school this year, at least that's what retailers are hoping. A result Gallup poll reveals that the percentage of Americans saying economic conditions are "getting worse" has declined in early August compared to what it was in July.

This more positive outlook may be enough to re-balance the U.S. economy and keep back-to-school retailers from tripping. –Lindsay Goodier, Online Editor, OilandGasInvestor.com; www.OilandGasInvestor.com; lgoodier@hartenergy.com