So why do the percentage gains and losses tell such a different story?

Black needed to lose 78 pounds to beat Red's percentage gain and remain safe.

Though not robust, that would be the first percentage gain since 2000.

The increase was the largest percentage gain in eight years, the association's data showed.

During the summer, double-digit percentage gains in the first month of trade were common.

The most neglected companies of recent months showed the greatest percentage gains.

A large number of special charges in both the 1990 and 1989 quarters increased the percentage gain.

It was the biggest percentage gain since a 4.5 percent rise in August.

Its population grew by 2.2 percent, the second smallest percentage gain in the state.

Manufacturing showed the most job growth and the largest percentage gain since 2001, increasing 316 jobs or almost 21 percent.