Tomorrow's GDP

Tomorrow's GDP may be one of the more important economic releases in quite some time in my view. The baked in the cake positive growth percentage seems like a 100% lock. I hate these 100% locks as it seems they often call for a surprise.

Great Britain just came out with a negative quarter which threw the markets for a loop. The US and GB have been closely linked throughout this economic "Great Recession" as bond legend Bill Gross calls it.

The Market expects a 3.2% growth (annualized qtr / qtr) rate of growth. Last qtr saw a decrease of 0.7%. Stay tuned for the number tomorrow. How much did cash for clunkers and the housing $8000 for first time buyers input into this equation? That is a huge question as C F C has already rolled off the books and the 1st time $8k help is scheduled to fall off soon.

Indonesia and The Philippines

I am so saddened by the devastation in Indonesia caused by the earthquake and the ensuing landslides. The Philippines have been affected by a Typhoon. Thousands of lives have been lost from these natural disasters. Thoughts and prayers from Americans go out to the victims of this terrible disaster. Here are a few of the countries that have offered assistance or are offering assistance to Indonesia : the U.S., Australia, Switzerland, Singapore, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, China, Qatar, UAE, Denmark, Thailand, Russia, Taiwan, and Norway.

I recommend the International Red Cross for anyone looking to help countries affected by these natural disasters. I am sure there are other agencies but they may take research to know if they are legit. Here is the web site for the International Red Cross:

http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/response/asia-floods/index.asp