[rohry]

"Looking at the last two days from the point of the war vote in Congress, the question is whether cries for war affect the market, and if so, how."

I don't think the war vote was a big factor in the last two day's rally.

"Since it has been a while, 11 years since the Gulf War and 60 years since WW II, there isn't much data to go on."

The data doesn't matter. There is a much higher percentage of novices in the market than at any point in history. In WW II a very small percentage of the public was in the stock market. Before the Gulf War there was a fraction of the people in the market than now. We are in uncharted territory...

[RightWhale]

I don't think the war vote was a big factor in the last two day's rally.

No, I don't think so, either. The effect, if any, of the war decision will be seen in the months ahead. Uncharted territory as you say.

[EVO X]

The data doesn't matter. There is a much higher percentage of novices in the market than at any point in history. In WW II a very small percentage of the public was in the stock market. Before the Gulf War there was a fraction of the people in the market than now. We are in uncharted territory...

I'd like to see some convergence towards a lack of volatility before I start gambling personal funds. We aren't anywhere near that.

[Cagey]

We are in uncharted territory...

That we are. There were a few solid and better than expected earnings reports in today and that helped. Wall Street has known for some time now that Congress was going to back the President, so I think that had nothing to do with the recent upward movement.

Those who have converted to cash recently may be getting a little antsy now and think about getting back in perhaps. We'll see soon enough.

[STONEWALLS]

as always, thanks Rohry!...

"There is a much higher percentage of novices in the market than at any point in history. In WW II a very small percentage of the public was in the stock market. Before the Gulf War there was a fraction of the people in the market than now. We are in uncharted territory..."

.....I agree....and not only is the territory uncharted but it has the potential to move with a speed that would have been unthinkable in the past.....

Good luck to everybody!

Stonewalls