Never has economic data has been so frosty and refreshing. As it prepares for Oktoberfest German investors confidence rose to a 3-year high. Will stocks get a buzz from recovery?   Read More

Last Friday, the closely-watched University of Michigan consumer confidence survey registered a disappointing reading of 64.6, when hopes had been for a 70 or so. But maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise, figuring that, during the month, energy prices were high (since reversed, of course), the stock market was struggling, and unemployment continued to rise.    Read More

Volkswagen says it has signed a "memorandum of understanding" with Chinese carmaker BYD to explore "options for partnership in the area of hybrids and electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries."  Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway bought a 10 percent stake in BYD last fall, and Buffett has been personally promoting the company's efforts.    Read More

The Euro zone's GDP came out and made for dismal reading. It should be remembered this is yesterday's news, and there are "green shoots" in Europe as well that we will comment on in a moment. But the headline numbers were truly bad, and Germany's number was shocking.    Read More