The only ache people have nowadays is ache in the stomach due to over eating and lack of exercise!

The only clear picture we have from the job cut numbers this year is that employers appear to be confused about the direction this economy is taking, ... Companies are experiencing increased business, but they are also seeing their costs soar due to higher fuel prices, inflation in supplier prices and a weaker dollar, which makes it more expensive to buy foreign parts.

The positive tone has more to do with the economic data that showed some signs of life in the economy. We've got through the Enron debacle and some selling that represented investors looking to lock in profits earlier on. Now we're starting to get a serious picture of what next year looks like, and it's probably the first serious step toward an upward move in the market.

The PPI numbers look pretty good. I think the important thing to look at is when this thing turns around, and I don't know that we yet have a clear picture that we definitely are in a slowdown mode, although there are some signs that we have slowed down, which sectors are likely to do well. And I think the important thing, if you look past the last two weeks, is that there is really a resurgence of the leadership of technology and biotechnology.

The PPI number this morning was pretty scary, ... I think CPI of late has not been reflecting the true inflation picture and that's likely to change with next week's numbers.