The recent economic news has been positive. Orders for durable goods and housing starts were higher than expected. However, everyone realizes that the housing data was pumped up by the end of the tax credit. In addition, the economic growth figures for the first quarter were revised downward slightly, personal spending was flat and weekly jobless claims are not continuing to improve. This means that the economy is growing, but not strongly enough to bring down the unemployment numbers sharply. The good news is that a moderate recovery should continue to keep rates low. All eyes will be focused upon the employment numbers to be released Friday as an important indication as to just how strong this recovery is shaping up to be.