Here's my take on the economy and the markets. Since we cannot make any sense of the economic data being released, I thought I would use hieroglyphics instead +---+-+ = ?. What the heck does all of this mean? It is a combination of all of the good + economic news, combined with the bad economic news -, which equals = the conclusions investors are left with ?, after trying to digest all the news.

Lets take them one by one:

+ Economic news remained positive as the 3rd quarter GDP came in better than expected. An important component of the report said that inflation quite mild (??????).

- Precious metals shares gained as gold futures hit an 18-year high. (But there's no inflation ??????)

- The November ISM manufacturing index fell slightly but was close to expectations and still suggests a healthy expansion. (It fell, but that was good??????)

- October construction spending was up 0.7%, more than expected. It was the fourth straight monthly increase. (So we do have inflation, right ??????)

+- Retailers reported their November sales, but the results we mixed.
(So,is the consumer tapped out because they are only buying bargains??????)

+ The government reported that personal income and spending edged up in October. (Oh, wait, are consumers doing well or not???? Incomes are up, right??????)

Summary of today's economic data: ?????????

Today's Market:

Yes, you should begin making your list, and checking it twice. A short list that is. Like I had said on November 28th, the spin is beginning and investors are jumping into the market in fear of missing the next big move.

As investors sifted through the economic data for the day, they concluded that we have a goldilocks economy (not too hot, not too cold, just right), where consumer spending and incomes rose, but without the threat of inflation. Oh, how perfect. I could not have written it any better myself.

Today, in our no-inflation environment, energy stocks rose sharply as the no-inflation oil prices rallied. Crude closed up +$1.15 at $58.47/bbl. Unleaded gas closed up =.0655 to $1.56/ gallon. And heating oil and natural gas prices advanced as well.

The important thing you need to remember though, "inflation is under control" (???????)

The materials sector was also a big gainer today as gold and copper rallied. But remember, "inflation is under control".

In other news, SBC Communications officially changed their name to AT&T. The new stock symbol is T. Boy, did we see this coming from a long way away.

I am getting anxious to sell our two retailers, but I may hold off for a few more days. Best Buy is going to announce earnings around the middle of the month. I think the news will be pretty good, but this might be a classic case of buy the rumor, sell the news. I may not wait for the news.