While the city's economy has gained notable strength in recent months, the unemployment rate, at 9.3 percent, is nearly twice the national average.

The latest numbers show that the economy has gained 286,000 jobs since employment hit bottom in July.

Other reports also suggested that the economy had gained traction.

But signs are emerging that the economy is gaining steam.

It is not yet clear whether the economy has gained or lost.

And evidence that the economy was gaining strength remained mixed, at best.

Q. The bank seems to think the economy is gaining strength.

The same story unfolded in the third quarter of 2002, when growth rose to 4 percent, and the economy actually gained 200,000 jobs.

Stocks moved higher amid reports suggesting the economy is gaining strength.

The difference was that as the economy gained speed in the 90's, people who lost their jobs could easily find new ones.