Within days of re-election, President Bush was greeted by a wave of economic news -- including strong job-creation data -- that could strengthen his hand as he prepares ambitious plans to overhaul the tax code and revamp Social Security. Prices on oil futures last week fell below $50 a barrel, a potential source of comfort for consumers and businesses that have been squeezed by the rising cost of energy. Stock prices rallied, a sign that economic uncertainties are easing with the end of the contentious election. Chain stores reported better-than-expected sales for October. The dollar declined, which could bolster exports...