The U.S. economy probably generated more than 200,000 jobs in March, capping the best four months of hiring since before the recession.

The U.S. job market slowed in March as companies hit the brakes on hiring amid uncertainty about the economy's growth prospects. The unemployment rate dipped, but mostly because more Americans stopped looking for work.

Whether the job market actually feels stronger depends on your perspective.

The economy is ending 2011 on a roll.

Unemployment has been stuck near 9 percent since the recession ended more than two years ago. The jobs report for September on Friday sent the clearest signal to date that the crisis will last through next year's elections.

A tentative thumbs-up. That's the assessment from economists, who have offered mainly positive reviews of President Barack Obama's $447 billion plan to stimulate job creation.

A look at the ideas taking shape at the White House to spur job growth and the arguments on why they will or won't work.

First, do no harm. Economists say the most important part of the jobs plan President Barack Obama will unveil Thursday night is the renewal of two measures already in place a cut in Social Security taxes and emergency aid for the unemployed.