Friday, October 22, 2010  Channeling Ben Bernanke  Somewhere in
Washington DC Ben Bernanke is surely smiling, if only slightly. 
In recent weeks, stocks have been rising and last week the
Utility Index (XLU) broke to a new 12-month high, signaling that
investors may be willing to take on more risk.  Amid all the
worries Ben carries on his shoulders about the viability of the
US economy, he has to constantly be aware of the shifting moods
of the players, consumers, and business people, in the current
unfolding economic drama.  Ben knows what he needs most right
now is a catalyst to lift the "animal spirits" of the players so
they will return to more normal consumption and investing
patterns.  Click to Enlarge There has been precious little "feel
good" news in the economic data for most of 2010.  Home prices
are still wallowing at low levels; unemployment is still sky
high; and until recently, stock prices have flat-lined.  There
has, however, been lots of good news in the earnings reports of
major corporations