Stocks hit new low for 2005

[Robert Oak]

Major indicators for weak economy despite soft dollars, massive
trade deficit and consumer confidence is collapsing under
massive debt. Macroeconomic reality seems to be coming home to roost...
so much for that great "free trade" theory huh.

"We are getting some okay earnings numbers, but all of the macroeconomic reports suggest the economy is weaker than people thought not very long ago," said Henry J. Herrmann, chief investment officer at mutual fund firm Waddell & Reed Financial. "All of this together is just confusing the heck out of people."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57612-2005Apr15.html

That news simply added to investors' growing anxiety about the financial health of U.S. consumers. A recent spate of economic reports, including consumer confidence data and last week's retail sales numbers, appeared to signal that American shopped are taking a more cautious approach to stocking up on everything from computer gadgets to new cars.

http://www.nypost.com/business/44602.htm