1.   For starters, the rapidity of the plunge has surprised economists.

2.   No marching bands or City Hall proclamations mind you -- just an encouraging string of indicators that had economists saying the worst was over.

3.   Reports like that have economists expecting that the economy will show little or no growth in the second quarter.

4.   Sliding profits means slower growth next year, and that has economists lowering their forecasts for next year.

5.   Such reports have many economists and investors expecting the central bank will soon cut interest rates in an attempt to boost the economy.

6.   That has economists forecasting continued growth in the surplus into next year.

7.   That has some economists betting that central bankers will refrain from raising rates further when they meet next Tuesday.

8.   That too has economists raising their eyebrows.

9.   That is the reverse of the normal process, and has surprised economists.

10.   The amazing strength of the American economy, despite the recession, has economists scrambling for explanations.