More Americans are suddenly planning to have babies and buy new homes, even as consumer sentiment sinks

newborn baby up close (Credit: Getty Images)

The latest consumer sentiment gauge suggests more gloom about the economy, even as it remains strong, but another indicator may belie that weak reading.

More Americans are planning to have a baby in the next year, according to a Bank of America survey, a possible sign that there's at least enough optimism about the future to bring another life into this world.