U.S. economy

Jason, over at TexasRainmaker has an excellent summative post on America's thriving economy.

1. Real GDP increased 3.5 percent in 2005. The economy has been growing for 17 straight quarters, and the composite index of leading indicators has risen the past 6 months, indicating continued growth.

2. Consumer Confidence rose to 107.2 in March - the highest level in nearly four years.

3. Inflation remains contained.

4. Over the past year, employment has increased in 48 states.

5. Real disposable incomes have risen 2.2 percent over the past 12 months.

6. Real household net worth is at an all-time high of $52.1 trillion, and the median net worth of American households rose 1.5 percent between 2001 and 2004.

7. Real consumer spending has increased 3.2 percent over the past year, and nominal retail sales are up 6.7 percent over the past 12 months.

8. College Graduates face the best job market in five years.

9. Manufacturing activity grew for the 34th consecutive month in March.

10. Non-manufacturing business activity grew for the 36th consecutive month in March.

All this has been happening amongst predictions of gloom, doom, and dire consequences from the political Left. I'm just grateful that Bush and the Republicans in Congress didn't listen to the naysayers . . .

I recommend you read the rest of Jason's post.