Energy costs, real estate only a slight concern, poll says - 2006-01-18
Rich people feel positive about investing and the wealthier they are the more positive their outlook for the market over the next year, a survey conducted on behalf of Citigroup Inc. revealed. Almost half of these affluent investors felt today's investment climate is better than a year ago and almost two-thirds are optimistic about the next six months. The 85% of those polled said extra energy costs have little or no impact on their savings or investments.
Read the full story at MarketWatch

Fed Says U.S. Economy Still Growing - 2006-01-18
The Federal Reserve reported Wednesday that the U.S. economy was still expanding late last year. In its latest "Beige Book" survey of regional economic conditions, the central bank declared that retail sales in late November and December continued to rise during the year-end holiday period amid generally stable prices.
Read the full story at WISC