The job numbers are nothing more than a statistical extrapolation. It's really just one of a handful tools used buy the government to give the impression that the economy is well and growing, and to give an occasional boost to the markets. In large part, the 600 point move in the Dow on Jan. 4 was based on this number, and the desired effect was achieved after the December drubbing. I actually remember one report where the estimated number was achieved, only to be revised to 0. That's a 100% miss. Inflation numbers, GDP, take your pick, they're all so sugar coated, they rarely if ever reflect a factual reality. But it's of no consequence, because the market loves speculation and hype.
