Jobs
That number has steadily improved since 741,000 lost their jobs in January. But 190,000 more jobs were lost in October. That is still more than the average monthly loss during the 2001 recession.
Many economists are forecasting job growth by early 2010. But if job losses continue deep into next year, that could tip the economy back into recession. If job losses start to increase again, it would be a cause for even greater concern since that could lead to a bigger pullback in retail sales, home prices and auto purchases.
NEXT: Retail sales
