Any little positive sign seems to give people hope that the worst is over. The unemployment rate jumps to 8.9 percent, its highest level in a quarter century, but as it is not as bad as expected there is optimism that this long recession might be easing off.

This latest government employment report, along with some positives from the Treasury stress test on American Banks was reason enough for investors to send the stock market upwards on Friday.

But, is the worst really over? When will the economy regain its vigor? There are too many of our fellow Americans out there without jobs, suffering through this recession, receiving mixed messages from economists and others who are supposed to have the answers, but just spread confusion with their pronouncements.

We suggest reading Peter S. Goodman and Jack Healy’s
article in Saturday’s NY Times for the latest perspective on the nation’s ongoing financial situation.