Jack Kahn produced the Economy & the Markets at Midyear special. Read his thoughts about the first half of '09, and post your comments.

Does the U-Turn in the Markets Portend

a Coming Economic Turnaround?

If you had to identify the biggest business development of the year's first half, what would you choose? GM declaring bankruptcy? Bernie Madoff being sentenced to 150 years? The Obama financial regulation proposal? Ken Lewis's demotion (to mere CEO, rather than Chairman and CEO) at Bank of America?

It's a tough decision...but I would vote for none of the above. Rather, I would go with the U-Turn in the Stock Market that began in early March.

Why? Until March 9, stock prices were still in free-fall, continuing the crash of 2008. That reflected a continuing stream of bad news on the economy and serious concerns that the financial system might collapse. But then the Stock Market began to turn round and headed in the other direction--rallying some 40 percent over the next...+ More

The spot to access goodies, like behind-the-scenes photos and extended interviews, from NBR's specials.

Indexes in the First Half of '09

Top Funds in the 2nd Quarter

Recession defined the first half of 2009. Consumers retrenched as unemployment continued its steady rise, the housing market remained in turmoil, and two U.S. automakers struggled to survive. But, late in the first half, stock prices gained momentum. And, now the question is: When will we see a recovery with teeth? In "The Economy and the Markets at Midyear," Paul Kangas, Susie Gharib, and the NBR team review first half milestones and search for an answer to that pesky recovery question.

Reports on the recession, stocks, automakers, and more from NBR's 2009 archives.

Continuing Coverage

"Reviving the Economy"

June 30, 2009

2nd Quarter Review with Sam Stovall

June 1, 2009

History Lesson - General Motors

April 30, 2009

History Lesson - Chrysler & Fiat