Unemployment rate is the dominant indicator of the US economy.

Unlike Japan and most of European countries, the US adopted very flexible labor code. US companies cut the work force with no big legal restrains. Therefore, it is very common that US companies sacrifice their employees to protect bottom line profits. In other words, shareholder's interests are on top of the priority list of the US corporations.

Employment would have come back strongly did economy find its footing. We are not seeing it so recovery is still weak and subject to double dip check.