RatWatcher

July Retail Sales: The Economic Storm Is Not Over

On Aug 14 06:17 AM Ed Zimmer wrote:

> Not only has the American consumer hit a wall, the airbags didn't
> go off, at least not until the consumer was pulled from the wreckage
> and left to lie on the side of the economic freeway. Then the rescuers
> (govt) set off the airbags to protect the car (banks).
> While the govt is concerned about the banks, the consumer has been
> left to get better on his or her own, if they can. Now the Government
> wants to raise it's credit line so it can spend more. Kinda like
> dropping the jaws of life on the poor slob laying on the ground while
> propping pillows around the injured car.
> Great article, good points, some food for thought. I favor buying
> the dips in metals because there is just way too much funny smoke
> and mirrors in everything else right now.

I really like your metaphor, but 180 degrees about: the banks are in the drivers seat, and the taxpayer TARP airbag went off. They walked away whole. The car (consumer) was totalled. We are still waiting for the tow truck.......

Pricing Oil in Big Macs

LOL an infinite number of such ratios can be plotted. Since we're there...mine is the Combo Meal / Minimum Wage relationship. Basically, one hour's work at the minimum wage buys a burger, fries and drink combo. Pick any year.....