"Glinda the Good" Deflation Isn't Looking So... Good

By Elliott Wave International

When 2015 began, the mainstream financial experts were certain of one thing: Even if the United States economy were sliding into deflation (which, they said, was open to discussion) that particular kind of Glinda the Good deflation, characterized by plunging energy and food prices, was going to be a boon for consumer spending:

"Good deflation a tax cut for working families," affirmed a February 2 Huffington Post. "Cheaper gas means more flying, more driving, more hotel occupancy, more use of restaurants and leisure facilities. In short, deflation driven by the rapid decline in oil prices is good news for America."

So, what's happened since? Continue reading ""Glinda the Good" Deflation Isn't Looking So... Good"

Historic Optimism in the Stock Market - What Does it Mean?

By: Elliott Wave International

How do you know when the market is getting ready for a change? This quote from Bob Prechter's best-selling book, Conquer the Crash, looks at investor psychology at extremes in the markets:

The engine of high stock market valuation is widely shared optimism. The greater the degree of the advance that is ending, the greater the optimism at its peak. Optimism also tends to remain strong in the early stages of a bear market.

Today, how optimistic are market participants? Bob dedicated an entire issue of his Elliott Wave Theorist market letter to looking at the level of optimism in the markets today. These two charts, excerpted from that letter, show just a piece of the story. Learn how you can get the entire issue, with 15 eye-opening charts, for free. Continue reading "Historic Optimism in the Stock Market - What Does it Mean?"