A relatively flat stock market last week reflects an investment community split on its opinion as to what lies just around the bend.  With only 6 weeks remaining in 2009, one camp of investors believes a strong economic recovery will be the main financial storyline in 2010.  Another group, possibly not wanting to overreach with its expectations, feels next year's ride will be bumpy and slow to develop.  But after being down 25% YTD (total return) in early March of this year, the S&P 500 is now up +24% YTD as trading begins today, an impressive 8 ½ month rebound by any measurement (source: BTN Research).   
 
President Obama selected his words cautiously on multiple topics during his travel in China last week, careful not to offend America's largest banker.  Negotiations behind the scene before Obama's trip indicate China may allow their currency to rise against the US dollar, a move that would aid American exporters selling goods in China.  Ben Bernanke reinforced the Fed's position last Monday that short-term interest rates will remain low for an extended period of time, a comment designed to boost the confidence of the US consumer (source: AP). 
 
They argued, they compromised, they voted, and then they left town.  The much ballyhooed Senate vote last Saturday night (60-39) assured that debate on health care reform will take place when the Senate returns from their Thanksgiving recess a week from today (source: Senate).