Yes, the world economic situation is very scary. The proverbial closet is just full of skeletons, ready to leap out at us. I do believe we were at the brink of a full on economic collapse in the Fall of 2008, which could have wiped out our financial system, leaving us in disorder for years to come. This can be a dehabilitating concern to the small investor, it certainly has been for me.

However, I have rationalized that with the huge amount of money printed and electronically produced by the CBs, particularly by the US Fed, we should be ok for at least the next two years. This monetary influx has the effect of buoying up all asset prices, but in particular investment vehicles such as stocks and bonds. Holding to this belief has given me enough confidence to continue with my modest investment program in spite of all the boogey man pronouncements. There are a myriad of voices out there claiming this and that, but I doubt that even the most elite of investors really know how and when our current system will fail, which I believe it surely will. "Black Swan" events could change the timing, but I am prepared to ignore this possibility just as I drive daily, knowing that the odds of an auto accident are much higher than most other means of transportation, which of course are not so convenient.

I guess I am saying: "eat, drink and be merry, for (years down the road) the stock market will crash disastrously". To each his own brand of elexir and/or poison.

Best wishes to all NOT investors,

O.F.