Stock Indices

In the third quarter 2007 the American consumer was way out of shape when it came to the percentage of debt payments to disposable income, hitting a 30-year high at 14%... Today the ratio is nearing 30-year lows! Could this be good news for the markets???

The latest earnings season stats coming from corporate America hardly inspire confidence and if they don’t improve, this bull market is in serious trouble. [That being said,] it’s still early and it’s not uncommon for the "beat rates" to improve as the earnings season unfolds. Nevertheless, the current readings are definitely a cause for concern.

Almost everywhere you look, there are signs that a financial avalanche has begun [and,] in many ways...[it] all is extremely reminiscent of 2008...so does that mean that a horrible stock market crash is coming as well? [Let's review] the 11 economic crashes that are happening RIGHT NOW [and query what might] happen for the rest of the year.

Many signs point to a plunge for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and major indexes rather than a continued climb. If history is ever a good indicator of forthcoming events, it is absolutely imperative that we pay attentions to these signs, and prepare for the worst. Here are a few reasons why the Major U.S stock indexes could see declines in the coming months.

Changes in economic indicators, copper and other commodity prices and stock market trends are covered in this month's market intelligence infographic.

My answer to the issue of staying in or getting out of markets is to stay in. This answer is independent of whether a correction is imminent or a few years down the road because we cannot possibly know that information....There will be a time to completely flee markets. It is just not now or at least I don’t believe so.

Today, I'm dishing on the unbelievable rebound in residential real estate, pesky rumors about the dollar's demise and a resurgent U.S. stock market. So let's get to it.

U.S. stocks are off to one of their best starts in years. Most indices are up 10% year to date, prompting many investors to ask: "Are we in another bubble?" The answer is no, at least when it comes to equities. Here are three reasons why:

Anyone who says they know for certain where the stock market is heading is a prevaricator, but what we can do is look at historical trends, current market conditions, and make an educated decision on the direction it is most likely to take. With that said, I have made a list of the five things that could indicate that the recent stock market rally has seen the best of its days, and now may be on the down-slope of its March madness ride.

With the stock market forging ahead it is imperative that those who manage other peoples money (and/or their own) become extremely well read - beyond their normal corporate reports, opinions and analyses - on the reality of what is evolving in the marketplace from as many different perspectives as possible. Because it would take days to gather such information we have gathered together a number of such articles on the subject with introductory paragraphs and hyperlinks to each. They are well worth your time to read.