Economist Marc Levinson says governments can't do much to increase productivity, despite what you've heard.

Is it pent-up demand or confidence in the economy? Either way, it's surprising.

But why? Do we put too much emphasis on GDP when evaluating economic health?

The global oil glut and strong U.S. dollar are a drag on U.S. exports and oil production.

Limited investments and some wage increases, but not for everyone.

In figuring out GDP, government economists weigh 'seasonality.'

"Reduce it down and get the real essence of flavor," says a Fed economist.

His life is so different from ours.