These aren't contradictions really. The economy contracting by 2% doesn't we're all doomed any more than an expansion by 2% means everything is perfect for ever

These aren't contradictions really. The economy contracting by 2% doesn't we're all doomed any more than an expansion by 2% means everything is perfect for everybody. The latter is generally better (or at least no worse) for everybody, but "better" doesn't mean "good" much less "perfect".