Economy Is Rebounding But Not Employment

A 10.2 percent unemployment rate is like a gut punch. It's just such a big number, a level of joblessness we haven't experienced here in the U.S. since the early '80s. This, even as the economy is actually growing again. But many employers just aren't ready to start hiring yet.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

A government report out Thursday morning could indicate the country has emerged from the worst recession since the 1930s. Figures are expected to show the economy has grown over the last three months.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

The trade deficit rose to a 15-month high of $40.4 billion in March as costlier crude oil imports offset a strong gain in exports. The larger deficit is evidence of a rebounding U.S. economy, analysts say.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Here I offer some thoughts on last week's numbers for employment, auto sales, and commodity prices.

Positive reports on retail sales, business inventories and consumer sentiment boosted hopes that the economy is rebounding. A Chinese trade report also showed exports from that country picked up in November.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

The Labor Department said Friday the number of Americans who lost their jobs in November was fewer than expected. The jobless rate fell from 10.2 percent to 10 percent, raising hopes the economy is on the mend.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

With the economy growing by 3.5 percent last quarter, the most painful recession since the Great Depression appears to be over. But the recovery might be slower than many Americans hope, and it could take much longer for lost jobs to return.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

The Obama administration says the government's stimulus program, and other actions aimed at jump-starting the economy, have saved or created more than 1 million jobs so far. Republicans, who generally voted against the stimulus, are skeptical of that number. They point out that fewer Americans are working now than when the stimulus took effect in February.