To: mishedlo who wrote (93283 ) 1/24/2009 10:31:17 AM From: dave9 Respond to of 116555 Like Rush needed Bill, Batman needs the Joker, I think you may need either Abby Joseph Cohen or David Kostin. An examination of how the masters of the universe see things may have value. Keep in mind that half the time, on average, the predictions will be correct. David Kostin: Goldman Sachs strategist David Kostin estimates the Standard & Poor's 500 index will rise 26 percent in 2009.seattletimes.nwsource.com Dave may have tunnel vision. I think the snp estimate he is putting out is basically the same number he was wishing about for 2008. My conclusion is that Dave needs to change from tighty whities to boxers and let it hang. Dave's latest blurbs are less pollyanna but he has not put forth anything meaningful. No balls and in his position he needs a big pair like Abby had. Abby Joseph: Leading the bulls is Abby Joseph Cohen of Goldman Sachs. She's calling for a big jump in the S&P 500 index, to end the year at 1,150. Cohen expects the market leaders to be energy and technology and she thinks U.S. stocks and high-quality corporate bonds will pay off when the economy stabilizes, around midyear. pbs.org My conclusion is that Abby's has a secret rubber fetish and is wrapped too tightly. The GS estimates I really looked at: Goldman Sachs economists, for example, think unemployment will reach 9 percent by the end of 2009. But they think a massive infrastructure-building program by the government will improve the economy in 2010. I was wondering if the unemployment estimate is using the governments unemployment figures or the figures from shadow stats. If they expect 9% unemployment how the government calculates really equates to 20% real unemployment. Next I looked at that next sentence. . . A massive government program will improve the economy. So, The GS position is that a massive government program will improve the economy and this will save us. {laughter} seattletimes.nwsource.com I think the snp may rise because it will take more dollars to buy anything 'real'; even a share of stock. I think that while conditions will continue to deteriorate, those still employed mid year will consider investing something. On the other hand, unemployment benefits will run out for most in _ _ _ _ _ (March, April, May, June???) and those still unemployed will sell anything and every thing to make ends meet or get foreclosed and repossessed. news.google.com Still employed today and kink of surprised about it - David