By Evelina M. Tainer, Chief Economist, Econoday
12/21/01

Simply Economics will not be published next week, December 28. Look for us again in the New Year on January 4, 2002. The Econoday staff extends its holiday greetings to all. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Economic reports were generally in line with expectations this past week, although housing activity did manage to surprise market players with its strength. But then, housing has been remarkably resilient during this economic downturn. Economic news will be sparse over the next two weeks and trading volumes will be thin.