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Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

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Recession over? Five signs Bernanke may be right

A number of positive trends support the Federal Reserve chief's statement that the recession has "very likely" ended.
A year after Lehman collapse, signs US recovery has begun

President Obama delivers a major economic speech Monday to assess progress in the year since Lehman Brothers' collapse ignited a financial crisis.
Stocks rally on Fed's word that the economy is leveling off

Though problems remain for housing and jobs, the Fed's Open Market Committee sees further improvement in financial markets in recent weeks.
Unemployment rate eases to 9.4 percent

Job losses for July totaled 247,000 – the lowest level since August of last year.
Bernanke defends bailouts – and himself

The Fed chairman, who is all over the TV news shows this week, may be angling for reappointment in January.
Jobless rate hits 9.4 percent, a 25-year high

A silver lining is the US economy shed fewer jobs in May than forecasters had predicted.
Home prices keep falling, but sales revive as buyers bargain shop

More properties went on the market in April. Anxious sellers – including banks – boosted the inventory of unsold homes to 10.2 months' worth.
Home sales slide in March

Sales of existing homes fell 3 percent from February to March, but activity with lower-priced units may be picking up.
Key change in accounting may boost banks' balance sheets

Under the new ‘mark-to-market’ rule, banks can consider the value of assets as if they are being sold in an orderly fashion, not in a distress sale.
US unemployment highest since 1983

Some 4.4 million jobs have disappeared since the recession began in 2007.
Bank of America's $1.8 billion loss dims its prospects

Bank didn't foresee 'significant deterioration' in December. Merrill Lynch deal weighs on its future.
US unveils new $800 billion plan to loosen credit

The money will go to unfreeze mortgage and consumer lending.
Consumers close their wallets

Retail sales plunge a record 2.8 percent in October, suggesting a dismal outlook for holiday spending.
Consumer spending drops record 2.8 percent

Even without plunging auto and gasoline sales, October's rate was still -0.5 percent – a gloomy sign for holiday shopping.
Are jobless next to need a bailout?

Obama vows action as jobless rate jumps to 6.5 percent.
Banks begin rush for US bailout funds

Early reluctance is giving way as hundreds prepare to apply before the deadline.
Fed makes boldest move yet

The central bank plans to buy debt directly from companies for the first time in decades.
Crisis rippling into economy

Used-car dealers, small manufacturers feel credit squeeze as states and cities postpone projects.
Rising mortgage rates add to housing woes

Higher mortgage rates since March are tied in part to investors' inflation worries.
As crisis deepens, Fed steps up role

The collapse of Bear Stearns sends the central bank scrambling to ease fears.
Job losses' ramifications far-reaching

Some expect Fed to cut rates by three-quarters of a point.
Bernanke tells Congress U.S. outlook to improve later this year

The Fed chief and Treasury Secretary Paulson note tightening credit markets but expect a return to normal.
Stimulus bill hits Senate this week

A bipartisan accord in the House calls for a $150 billion spending plan, including significant tax rebates. But senators may want add-ons.
House, Bush stimulus deal on fast track

Democrats and Republicans are anxious to get $300 to $1,200 in tax-rebate checks to wage earners by spring.
The inflation squeeze tightens

Prices spiked 4.1 percent last year, the highest increase in 17 years.