What's more, the Administration and many private economists believe that it won't rise much, even with brisk economic growth.

A rise of more than 260,000, which would indicate brisk growth in the economy, could mean the Fed will push interest rates higher.

Only brisk economic growth, something sorely lacking in Germany, can do that.

All these developments made it quite likely that the brisk economic growth in the second half of 2003 could continue into this year.

Bond prices rose sharply after a Government report showed inflation under control despite brisk economic growth.

Investors were concerned that today's employment report would show brisk economic growth.

It still signaled brisk growth because it was in line with the average for the year.

But now, with unemployment still close to 7 percent and indications that our brisk recent growth may be slowing, is no time to reduce spending.

That increase - $36 billion - makes interest the fastest-growing component of federal spending, and continued brisk growth is likely.

Manufacturers reported brisk growth and higher prices last month, spurring concern that interest rates would go up.