The index of leading economic indicators fell 0.2 percent in June, the first decline since March 2003, the board said. Five of the 10 leading indicators declined, led by building permits, the factory workweek, supplier's deliveries, money supply and interest rates.

2005 will be a tough year,
REGARDLESS who is elected, where the oil goes, what terrorists do or don't do,
I am very gloomy as far as economy/market goes

I was wrong again... my S&P shorts are really biting me in the ass. LOL


:yowsa:

A few months ago I turned to "weaker than the past year" on the economy but I'm definitely not gloomy.

How does this play for election time?

Alex

It's hard to trade the economy. And, we all seem to be in somewhat economy proof businesses.

People will always find a way to support their vices.

I agree with Serge that the next few years are going to be very tough for the equities markets -- regardless of the economy.

I still think the indexes have one more high before this rally that started in 2002 is complete.

if market falls bad in the next few months-
it will favor Kerry

when market sells off on good MSFT news-
you KNOW it's over
;-))))

when market sells off on good MSFT news-
you KNOW it's over
;-)))) [/b][/quote]
It's a good thing I don't you fundamentals. hehe

Hell, I did not even see the news. Of course, i don't look for it either.

Election in about 3 months. I'd say the lag in people's perceptions of the economy is somewhere around that. Unless there is a dramatic change I'd say not much effect either way from here on in. A few points at most and unpredictable in direction since people are still learning the economy was growing at quite a good clip the past year.

With the historic polarity, nothing is seeming to change the polls much lately. If the current numbers continue the election will be determined by random factors such as whether more Republicans than Democrats get stuck in traffic on the way to vote in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

I only hope the executive and legislative branches split in the election. I could care less which way. Down with higher taxes and "free" health care! Down with religion and anti-pornography! The Eeyores and the Dumbos wish to either eliminate my business or tax more of my earnings. I can't win either way.

:okthumb: :wnw: :okthumb:

me too!

:pearl:

This is one of the reasons you are a hero of mine.

Mixing it up.

Bad news. Labor costs rise 0.9 percent in the second quarter, and outpace wage gains. Wage and salary growth the slowest in 22 year history of report. Slowdown in retail spending and weaker car sales cools down recovery pace in many regions.

Good news. U.S. consumer confidence jumps sharply in July on an improving jobs outlook, surprising analysts who'd looked for a flat reading.

The U.S. economy slowed in the second quarter of the year, growing at a 3 percent real annual rate, after growing 4.5 percent in the first quarter, the Commerce Department estimated Friday.

am I glad I loaded on bonds DESPITE Buff's and Raw Alex's prediction of interest rates going thru the roof?
;-))))