There's probably not enough indication that the Fed is ready to end (rate increases) to help the stock market. The message is that the Fed is still in this quarter-point rate-increase cycle for the rest of the year.

Long-bond buyers aren't afraid of inflation or increased interest rates, the way short-term bond buyers are. The Fed still seems to be in the game for the foreseeable future in driving rates up.

We have to see what kind of impact the double-barrel effect of high energy and high rates have on the consumer. The Fed might have overdone it.

Help, Hands; For I have no Lands.

The call at this point in the year is for people to help pull it off by doing the preparatory ground work.

We are somewhat consoled by the fact that Marla died doing what she really wanted to do: help people less fortunate than herself. Many of us believe that character trait to be the most beautiful quality a human being can possess. And Marla had an abundance of it.