There are two "events" today; one of them, at 2 p.m. EST, is the release of the minutes of the last FOMC meeting. The other, which transpired earlier today, was the release of the consumer confidence numbers.
They weren't shocking, but they certainly didn't inspire confidence either. Just take a look at that blue line and imagine it was anything of value to you (such as your equity curve, or your favorite stock). Doesn't look so hot, does it?
Perhaps the public knows more than the government is letting on; things aren't "getting better" and won't be cured just by uttering "we can do more." Things remain on the Stink Express, and the locomotive is picking up steam.
