New Data: Recession Is Over

THE LATEST FIGURES CONFIRM - THE "GREAT RECESSION" IS OVER. THE ECONOMY GREW IN THE THIRD QUARTER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN A YEAR. THE PACE OF 3 AND A HALF PERCENT WAS FUELED BY GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PROGRAMS INCLUDING CASH FOR CLUNKERS AND A TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS.
THAT GAVE INVESTORS A MORALE BOOST AND GAVE STOCKS THEIR BIGGEST RALLY SINCE JULY.
THE DOW ROCKETED NEARLY 200 POINTS.
THE NASDAQ CLIMBED 38.
THE SENATE HAS AGREED TO EXTEND THE POPULAR 8-THOUSAND DOLLAR TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS UNTIL THE SPRING. IT WAS SLATED TO EXPIRE NOVEMBER 30TH. LAWMAKERS ALSO ADDED A REDUCED CREDIT OF UP TO 65-HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR BUYERS WHO HAVE OWNED THEIR CURRENT HOMES FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.
BUT THAT'S LITTLE CONSOLATION TO THE NEARLY 6 MILLION AMERICANS STILL COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE.. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE CLAIMING JOBLESS BENEFITS FOR THE FIRST TIME - DROPPED ONLY SLIGHTLY LAST WEEK... EVIDENCE THAT LABOR MARKET REMAINS WEAK EVEN AS THE ECONOMY IS RECOVERING.
NINTENDO'S PROFIT PLUNGED MORE THAN HALF LAST QUARTER. SALES OF ITS WII HOME CONSOLE FIZZLED IN A SATURATED MARKET.
AND WAL-MART IS LOOKING TO KEEP ITS CUSTOMERS EVEN IN DEATH. THE WORLD'S LARGEST RETAILER IS NOW SELLING CASKETS AND URNS ONLINE AT PRICES THAT BEAT MOST FUNERAL HOMES. THE MOVE FOLLOWS ITS RIVAL COSTCO, WHICH ALSO SELLS CASKETS ON ITS WEBSITE.
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