But that trend is starting to reverse itself. As this is written, the Nasdaq has jumped 33 percent from its low point a few weeks ago. The Dow is up nearly 13 percent. While the stock market isn't the same thing as the economy, it has a big effect. When stocks go up, people feel more confident about the economy, and those same people start buying things they'd put off.
Consumer confidence is up.
Inventories are down. All point to a stronger economy, starting now. Start planning for growth again. While it's more important than ever to pay attention to fundamentals, the market and investors have learned that you can't make money simply by wishing. Now, financial managers and investors will look at companies more realistically.