Nigel Gault

Two polls released last week and one issued Monday set out to probe how investors view President Barack Obama's economic policies. But they provide contradictory readings. Which shows just how hard it is to get to the heart of such matters.

Far more jobs were lost than expected in December, but the overall rate remained at 10%. Indeed, the report held a little something for bulls and bears alike. But one thing is starting to become clear: It appears unemployment has peaked.