In the early 90's everything was down. The reverse was true in the early 90's - using late 80's benchmarks was bound to produce depressing conclusions. Either way, if they are in the average they throw it off. Overriding all of the above is that well run businesses do well and poorly run businesses don't. Even when the weather is off and maybe even when they aren't supposed to by all known methods of prediction.
Real life goes on despite the statistics.