Well Is It or Isn't It

Is it a double dip or not, most of us are on the edge of ours seats anticipating a clear answer, fully aware that there isn't a tiny smidgen that we can do to stop it, but alert to the notion that we might have to make some adjustments. On the other hand, we might need to tighten the belt, stay the course, and/or buckle down - all ineffective and meaningless terms, I'm just throwing them in for effect.

So what the hell is it. I call it it a prolonged C*$#%&!F#$%. The DOW is still hovering above 10,000 and that's got to count for something with all of this week's bad numbers in housing. That could change real fast as we know.

Let me just say one thing. We need to keep our eyes on this stuff and try our best to read it. I mean, do want to retire? I'd like to as well...

CS Monitor: Economic recovery falters. Does it signal recession or just a 'pause'?

But bank lending conditions have improved a bit. And key indexes viewed as leading indicators for the overall economy, for manufacturing, and for the service sector have remained positive, although not robustly so.


Michael Darda, chief economist at the investment firm MKM Partners, blames the slowdown largely on the ripple effects of the European debt crisis this spring.


Charles McMillion, an economist at MBG Information Services, sees the durable-goods and housing numbers as confirmation that the economy is in a period of stagnation at best.


The US is stuck in low gear.