‘It’s Always Something’

Though the stock market is back on record-high ground after a couple of big worries have dissipated, investors remain wary, sentiment readings show. Slowing economic activity has ascended to the top of their worry list. Today, Dr Ed examines how worrisome it is. True, some key recent economic indicators have come in weaker than expected. But that suggests a soft patch, nothing worse. The recent outperformance of four cyclical sectors associated with our bullish themes supports our long-term optimism on the economy. In any event, as long as inflation doesn’t rise problematically in coming months, the Fed Put is on standby. ... Also: Dr Ed reviews “Words of War” (+++).