Take Your Pick

This past week of economic data had something for everyone. For bulls, it was an improving non-manufacturing sector, higher auto sales and record breaking household wealth. For bears, it was a weakening manufacturing sector, a worsening trade deficit and a decline in mortgage applications. The best news: the labor force added 420,000 workers and now stands at 155.6 million, up marginally from a pre-recession high of 154.1 million in 12/07.