We all depend on market wstchers some are on TV, the radio, maybe blogs and the newspapers. When we follow them we wonder how do they see the picture.

In an recent article Ian McGugan who writes in the Globe and Mail noted where he looks for information.

Factory Output

The JPMorgan Global Manufacturing PMI offers picture on wjat is happening on factory floors. The indec surveys purchasing managers. At the moment factories are in recession mold.

Where to find it: Google the JPMorgan Global Manufacturing PMI news release.

Expectations for global growth

German bonds are a good place to look. The 10 year bond are yielding very little because of the massive debt in the world.

Where to find it: Bloomberg.com

US bonds outlook

The key is to watch for deviations from the usual pattern.

Right now different parts of the US yield curve are sending different messages.

Where to find it: fred-.stlouisfed.org maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Search for 10 year Treasury minus 2 year Treasury

Retail Resilience

The keys are what are US consumers doing? If they keep shopping all is good

Right now shopping is good

Where to find it: the St Louis Fed site and search for advance real retail and food service sales. Select the series, edit graph and choose % change from year ago.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, we all use information to make decisions. Try to determine some of the key factors your influencers use then you can see for yourself if you agree or not agree and why. You might make better decisions.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time- to raising questions.