It was a stronger start to 2023 than most had expected, and it may signal how the rest of the year will play out.
With job growth still strong and consumer confidence up, the average person is still doing well.
We now have some evidence that the proper policies are in place to prevent a full-blown financial crisis.
The thing to keep in mind is that with all the turmoil, the system is working as it should to contain the damage.
Unlike in 2008, the government is getting ahead of the problem rather than trying to clean up afterward.
Economists expect a return to the previous trend of strong performance but with signs of progressive slowing.
February had good economic news but weak market results. March may be the same.
Despite a bit of a roller-coaster ride, markets wound up pretty close to where they started.
January had bad economic news but good market results. February may well be the reverse.
For the moment, signs are that, overall, the labor market remains healthy.