Stock Indices

[Given the] big swings in enthusiasm for owning common stocks [we thought it timely to present] our opinion on the current temperature of the U.S. stock markets as to what's hot and what's not and the reasons why that is the case.

The real value of the stock market is positively correlated, over time, with the amount of freight hauled by the nation's trucks (in other words, the physical size of the economy has a lot to do with the real, inflation-adjusted value of the economy) and the latest numbers (see chart) strongly suggest that we are not in a stock market bubble.

It's been an amazing run in the stock market but...I start to feel a bit uneasy about things when I see all news reported as good news, because it either means the economy is getting better or more QE is coming. The fact, though, is that the market is just driving higher on what looks like sheer optimism of continued QE and little else. You can see this optimism in two indicators you'll recognize.

Looking for a simple way to outperform the market on your international equity index portfolio? Here's how.

All of the crap about the debt ceiling is really about plausible deniability, delivered as propaganda. Threaten deflation and austerity to make a big scene, and force the people to demand the debt ceiling be raised. This is all part of the “show deflation” at critical times when they want to print more aggressively with no blow back.

You might be well advised to keep your powder dry and your portfolio small - or even be tempted to sell everything and wait for the storm to blow over [given the 4 clues put forth in this article].

The Dow 30 is deceptive in what it purports to represent. The manipulation of its performance has been going on since 1928 and it gets further denigrated on September 23rd with a 3 constituent swap which will, in effect, assure that it continues to rise in the long term.

There’s nothing to be bearish about regarding the stock market these days. US stocks are not overpriced or overleveraged, and remain more attractive than at prior peaks so pop a pill and relax. There’s no immediate danger threatening stocks as the following market analyses clearly outline.

We have experienced a huge bull market this year but any pundits are calling for the bullish move to end in a sharp downward correction...The bears have a case, historically and cyclically, but I am going to go out on a limb and say things are really different this time. Here are 5 reasons why.

I call on the financial community to take a critical look at the Dow Divisor. If it is retained investors will continue to be deceived with every new transition from one phase to another and the greatest of all Ponzi schemes will have major financial consequences for every investor.