free-lance nation

Investors often seek insight from the latest news, the most recent weekly and monthly data updates. But the underlying status of the economy is better reflected in long-term trends, and many of those show serious headwinds to future U.S. growth.

Many of the jobs that have been lost in the recession are unlikely to come back. Those that do are more likely to be freelance, temporary or contract positions rather than permanent jobs with benefits. Technology, off-shoring and the disappearance of bubble-era jobs are all to blame.