In an election, it does not matter if voter turnout is high or low, the outcome is determined by the actual votes cast. The same holds true for the markets. Only those who make an actual buy or sell decision determine the outcome of the market trend. The market “voters” turn up in charts, recorded in the price range, close, and volume. Collectively, a “story” unfolds, and it usually is an accurate one as it does not include any opinions. Opinions do not matter. Articles written about fundamentals, pundit declarations, etc., all fall under the category of opinions. The market is the best source for information, and that is a fact.

In an odd twist of fate the future of the U.S. dollar is in the hands of Asian governments [and particularly China and Japan. Let's hope they continue to put their own interests first.] Here’s why.

It’s been exactly two years since Standard & Poor’s did the unthinkable and downgraded the U.S. government’s debt rating...and yet, it’s as if it never happened…

With wage growth suppressed and consumers still driving over 70% of the nation's GDP, weak economic growth should not be a surprise.

New research shows that forecasters tend to underestimate the expected outcome of anticipated economic data for several months in a row, and then overestimate it for several months in a row thereafter. Why does that matter? Read on.

Support is support until it collapses but if the 10-year support line for the HUI Index is breached it is a loooong way down!!!

If you aren’t certain that you understand and can value your business far better than Mr. Market, you don’t belong in the game. As they say in poker, “If you’ve been in the game 30 minutes and you don’t know who the patsy is, you’re the patsy.”

History clearly shows that stocks don't fall during periods of rising interest rates. Sure, they might fall a little when a rate hike is announced - maybe for a week or so - but they usually bounce back quickly - and then they go higher.

Despite the preponderance of evidence that money printing doesn’t create jobs, Bernanke and his Central Bank colleagues continue to perpetuate the myth that the recovery is just around the corner, as long as we continue to print money. It’s complete and utter insanity as all it will accomplish is bankrupting the U.S. resulting in higher costs of living - and lower quality of life - for all of us. [Let me explain why I believe that is the case.]

Stocks have generally performed very well in rising-rate environments but the current rate cycle is unlike any other of the past 40 years, keeping investors on edge. A lot will depend on how inflation behaves.