TIME RUNNING OUT

Time is running out on Iran. A long list of new sanctions will be imposed on Iran today. Any company that does any business with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard will face repercussions from the US. I believe a deal is near.

Time is running out on Congress. Hank Paulson says that the tax refunds due 50 million Americans will be delayed next year if the congress does not pass the AMT patch by November 7. Rangel will present his list of tax increases tomorrow. The bill as written will go nowhere. Could this game of chicken end with no AMT patch? I doubt it.


Time is running out on terrorists in Iraq. The death rate in Iraq continues to fall. The citizens of Iraq are no longer willing to harbor terrorists. Even the Kurds are showing signs of helping with the PKK problem. The government needs to compromise on energy revenue distributions and a few other things and many more American troops will be withdrawn.

Time is running out on the commodities bubble. A Texas energy economist estimates that $30 of the price of oil is risk premium. Just the hint of a settlement agreement with Iran could cause the price of oil to plunge.

The FOMC will meet next Wednesday. Financial Futures contracts suggest there will be another 25 basis point cut. Recent data suggest the cut will be 50 basis points.

This business cycle has been a record breaker. No one would have predicted a strong economy in the face of $90 oil. Lower oil prices, lower interest rates and relative peace in the Middle East would be a powerful market stimulator. Hold on to your hat! BUY, BUY, BUY