The Economy Adds 200,000? What The Jobs Reports Means

Economists, based on consensus numbers, believe the eocnomy added 200,000 new jobs in February. ADP reported a 216,000 jump in private payrolls during the month. Challenger Gray said corporate layoffs dropped. Weekly jobless claims have generally been good

But, there will be ongoing debate  about what the February employment report says, no matter what the number. If it is below the expected 200,000, economists will say the economy has slowed–perhaps because of gas prices or a failure to cut payroll taxes more. If the number is much higher than expected, many experts will say the recovery is now complete and GDP will be up 3% or better for the balance of the year. Some others will say that the only reason for an improvement is that cold weather which usually settles in across the norther tier of states in Winter never settled. Even good news has detractors.