Economic Update August 18

Headline News

* Bank Failings, 2
* US to add troops in Afghanistan
* Judge failed to approve settlement for BOA
* CFO for Madoff pled guilty and was shocked he was sent to jail
* President confronted Healthcare opposition
* The Financial Diva will be a walk on in "Saving Grace" with Academy Award winner Holly Hunter!

Economic News

* Productivity rose 6.4%
* US trade deficit grew to 27 bn in June
* Consumer sentiment fell
* July retail sales were down

Technology is leading the S&P 500 Sector Returns 37.5%

The Market continues to be very volatile. I will continue to monitor our Strategists and look for opportunities.