The search for answers didn’t get any easier on Friday after the Labor Department released its monthly jobs report.

The U.S. economy closed out the month of May riding a host of mixed feelings. Companies are upbeat, households are cautiously optimistic and investors are grateful for past gains but anxious over future policy decisions.

The specter of inflation is once again rearing its head and garnering most of the attention in the financial markets.

A month ago when the Labor Department reported an outsized increase of nearly 1 million jobs in March, Fed chair Powell was barraged with questions as to whether it was nearing the time to tap on the monetary brakes.

The goals of the nation’s policy makers and the means of accomplishing them were in full view this week, with the president presenting his case for another blockbuster economic package before a joint session of Congress and the Federal Reserve providing its latest missive on monetary policy.

While it was a light calendar week for key economic data, positive news on the health front, more evidence of an improving job market and the prospect of additional fiscal aid all point to solid growth in coming quarters.

The fire under economy’s growth engine has been ignited and the flames should burn brightly for months to come.