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Examines the economic recovery in the United States in 2003 and the prospects for its sustainability in 2004. Financial performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, indicating the lowest interest rates in 45 years spurred the recovery; Concerns and questions among investors related to the price of stocks; Comments from Lynn Reaser, chief economist for Banc of America Capital Management, regarding the momentum of the American economy resulting from low interest rates, tax cuts, a weakened dollar and lean inventories; View of David Kotok, president of money-management firm Cumberland Advisors, regarding a shift in money to the stock market.

The nation's economy shows signs of expansion but still faces tough challenges that call for measures to create jobs to help restore fiscal sustainability, the Treasury secretary, Timothy F. Geithner, said on Thursday. In prepared remarks for delivery to the Economic Club of New York, Mr. Geithner said the economy was now more productive than it was before the recent financial crisis but confidence remained fragile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a brief recap assessing the performance of the stock market in 2003. Number of consecutive years of losses for stock-market investors that was reversed in 2003; Financial performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Russell 2000, indicating an economic recovery in the United States; Importance of the sustainability of the U.S. economic rebound on the continued success of traders and investors.

Focuses on economic conditions in the United States during the third quarter of 2003. Estimated gross domestic product for the third quarter, indicating growth in the U.S.; Importance of the consumer to economic growth in the U.S.; Concerns about economic sustainability; Reasons for optimism, according to Paul Kasriel, an economist at Northern Trust, including a global economic recovery and corporate profits; Discussion of money supply.

Focuses on the sustainability of the economic recovery underway in the United States. How economists view the surge in commodity prices with respect to industrial production and hiring; Discussion of pricing power and if it will return; What the optimists in the marketplace are saying about business cycles; What the pessimists are saying about the economic recovery, including the decline of mortgage-refinancing, one-time tax cuts and remaining options available to the Federal Reserve.