Consumer Metrics Institute: Day 444 of Economic Contraction and Headed Lower

04-06-2011 • dailymarkets.com/

Is our economy truly rebounding as much as our equity markets may portend or are we riding high predominantly due to government stimulus similar to an economic anabolic steroid? Is our future as bleak as the numerous and sundry doomsayers would proclaim? Does it appear as if our economy has a split personality or is operating in two different realms? Do you often wonder what others—especially those in Washington—may be seeing if the economic landscape in your backyard remains very challenging? I continue to believe our overall economy is and will continue to operate with a ‘walking pneumonia’ type condition. The massive debt burdens at all levels of our economy continue to serve as a drag and inhibit any sort of truly robust rebound. Let’s navigate and take the pulse of Rick Davis of Consumer Metrics Institute which captures real time discretionary online consumer activity. Rick and his team recently put forth a fabulous commentary encompassing a wealth of fabulous information. I honestly believe that Ben Bernanke and team at the Federal Reserve track Rick’s work. You should as well.