IBD'S TOP 10.(A)

GDP Shows Surprising Strength

1Q4 '01 growth was a faster-than-expected 1.4% yearly rate, propelled by consumers and a big rise in government spending. These are the latest data signaling the slump is ending. The first GDP estimate, released in Jan., was 0.2%. GDP grew 1.2% for all of '01, the weakest since '91's 0.5% rise. Business investment plunged 13.1%, the fourth straight drop. See Vital Signs on A2

Bush Pushes Retirement Reform

2President Bush wants to let Americans invest part of their Social Security taxes in stocks. He noted someone retiring today after 45 years would get $1,128 a month. Had the money been in the market, that same worker would have over $3,700 a month, he said. Separately, Fed chief Alan Greenspan made a plea for boosting savings as key to boosting the economy's growth.

Recession Was Still Alive In Jan.

3Fed chief Alan Greenspan and recent data suggest the recession is ending, but the Chicago Fed's National Activity Index says not quite. The index rose to -0.51 in Jan. from -0.82 in Dec. That's the best since July. The three-month average climbed to -0.86 in Jan. from -1.03 in Dec., also a six-month high. The Chicago Fed says a reading over 0.2 would indicate the recession is over.

Manufacturing Shows Feb. Rise