Even if the U.S. stock market can't seem to make up its mind, most experts are predicting 2003 will be a better year.

Economic indicators in many sectors are showing small gains. The value of new construction starts in August were up 7% compared to July's figures, according to the McGraw-Hill Construction Information Group, which released its report in September. Double-digit gains were reported in nonresidential building and non-building construction, while the housing market improved slightly. Total construction for January-August 2002 was up just 1% compared to the same period in 2001, for a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $509.4 billion.