Things are gloomy—and getting gloomier. How will investors know when it's safe to come out again? Here's what to watch forNearly all economists think the U.S. economy is skating on some very thin ice, and some believe we've already plunged into recession.
The economic data paint a scary picture. A weak holiday season for retailers. An uptick in unemployment. A decline in manufacturing. Still more pain for the housing and financial sectors. Both business executives and average consumers are wary of spending.
Investors responded predictably to the recession worries, sending major stock indexes tumbling. Half a month into the year, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index has dropped almost 6%.
Read More
