The Market Downdraft Is Politically Bad, But Fiscally Sound

The White House is probably a very uncomfortable place of employment of late. Unemployment is rising, state and local layoffs loom, two wars continue to drain the Treasury, and the stock market is behaving terrible. The loose money induced market has been, along with private sector job growth, the two bright spots of Obama's presidency. Both have changed negatively. An overly political White House cannot be happy about the situation.

But the market decline may actually be good for the country's deficit and, ultimately, Obama. After the past 18 month's performance, selling is producing capital gains that will begin showing up in quarterly tax estimates. There probably aren't a lot of losses to set the gains off against given the markets rise. Therefore, tax receipts up and deficit down. Now hopefully the Republicans can tie firm spending cuts into any debt ceiling increase before the Democrats figure out they have some increased revenue heading their way.

Once the selling stops, that cash will need to be redeployed. There aren't many good alternatives available. The economy isn't as robust as previously thought, but companies are still lean and profits good. Commodities are stretched and bonds subject to the potential effects of inflation. Cash earns nothing. The money will find its way back into equities and that pressure will elevate the indexes.

Like all investors, I haven't enjoyed the past six weeks, but the world's not coming to an end and other than a little portfolio adjusting, I believe it wise to stand pat. A bright spot in this bleak period is that none of my covered calls are going to be called away and I get to keep the premiums. As the market hopefully recovers, I haven't been sold out and won't have capital gains to pay. There's a positive aspect to bad markets, for both Crusty and Obama.

I'm In The House Of Blues

I haven't enjoyed the last several days. Yard work and investment declines put me in a foul mood. More than crusty, foul. Cutting limbs and trimming bushes is bad enough, but watching the Market panic over employment numbers is numbing. That big ape is really starting to shake the tree and investor resolve is waning. So far, I remain resolved but feel low.

Before long the crusty credit analyst may be channeling Blind Lemon Jefferson and the other blues greats. Moaning and howling may be necessary to stand firm until the "market professionals" hear a random statistic that renews their faith and the buying resumes.

Here goes:

My mama ain't left me, but I still feelin low

The cookie jar gettin empty and I gots years to go

Oooow, deep cotton keeps a risin, but I don't own none

I gots stocks and day goin down

I needs a new roof, I gots bills to pay

Oooow, the market man's shakin da tree today

The dog and mama done holdin on to me

But we be staying in the tree

Oooow, I don't wantsa be poor, I just wants a roof

Mama, the dog, and me wants a new roof, woof

Oooow, it never ends.

Big Mama Thorton I'm not, so hang on as the world isn't ending.