For the past several years part of my professional responsibilities have included tracking and analyzing the US economy. While some of the data I use for this is subscription based, one of my most valuable sources of information is free. The Institute for Supply Management provides several economic reports that are very useful.

Based upon my analysis I am convinced we hit bottom last month and are now rebounding. Barring another unforeseen event (such as a major terrorist attack or another steel tariff), the economy will continue to improve. Not only are we on our way out of the recession, but the economy will be thriving again in 2004.

I have updated Solport's employment charts and expect a net increase in new jobs by the end of the year. For those of you who can afford to invest some money, this is the time to return to the stock market. (Legal disclaimer: There are no guarantees, and the author is not a broker nor affiliated with any of the various stock markets).