Three out of four Americans are more optimistic about the nation’s future under President Barack Obama, according to an Associated Press-Knowledge Networks poll that shows even Republicans seem hopeful lately.

In his inaugural address yesterday, Obama said the economy could improve but also warned of tough times ahead. There was no celebration on Wall Street, as stocks tumbled. The Dow Jones fell 332 points, closing below 8,000, according to USA Today.

In Colorado, The Denver Post notes, people are redefining their wants and needs, as a certain “economic introspection” has taken hold of those who remain financially sound.

Is everyone else in the same boat? See how your salary stacks up in the latest edition of 5280.

Businesses should be encouraged by Obama’s words, says Colorado House Speaker Terrance Carroll, who points to Obama’s pragmatism (via the Denver Business Journal).

Meanwhile, Colorado could get about $500 million from an economic stimulus package now under consideration in Congress, The Associated Press reports.