Don't Blame the Weather

Liqudity-driven recovery pushes nominal economic data and equities higher.

For example,

Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CNFAI) and S&P 500 Average


The real economy, however, paints a picture of a struggling expansion.

For example,

Real Business Core Capital Spending: Real or CPI-Adjusted New Orders of Durable Goods ex. defense and aircraft (RBCCS) and YOY Change


Gold-Adjusted New Orders of Durable Goods ex. defense and aircraft (BCCSGLDR) and YOY Change


The labor market continues to ebb and flow within the cycle. Gold already 'knows' a change is coming.

Average Weekly Initial Claims State Unemployment (AWIC) And YOY Change


Headline: Stocks waver on weak reports on GDP, jobs

Stocks were narrowly mixed Thursday after the government said the U.S. economy slowed in the first three months of this year.

The economy grew at a 1.8 percent annual rate in the January-March period. That's the weakest showing since last spring when the European debt crisis reduced growth to 1.7 percent. Higher prices for oil and gas have constrained consumer spending.

The government also reported that more people applied for unemployment benefits for the first time last week. The increase, the second in three weeks, suggests that the job market remains sluggish.

Source: news.yahoo.com