RE: Back to Reality ShortlyI completely agree.
Xmas retail numbers announced so far have been a disappointment for the most part. ie. BBY, NKE, GPS, M, TGT etc. Not a complete catastrophe, but far from the earth shattering, record breaking numbers that the TPTB were touting prior to year end and that all these stocks had priced in.
GM's numbers are cooked. Inventory on lots is overflowing. Expect a post "cash for clunkers" type of drop off later in year. Despite all the massaging and spinning of the story, GM is still doing worse than it's competitors. All the chatter about defective Toyotas and Fords that are too complicated to use is laughable.
The fact that helicopter Ben hasn't checked out yet is proof that there is a huge disconnect between what we are being told by the MSM and actual reality. After QE2, we will get QE3, QE4 and so on. The US will attempt to inflate all their troubles away while telling us everything is ok for the foreseeable future. Well, good luck with that.
Anyone want to sell me their gold bars?