[Aquinasfan]

As for us, we expect that the recession will end in mid-2009 and that stocks could gain 5% to 8% for the year (see Outlook 2009).

I see Jimmy Carter II. The economy will be flat for four years.

Gold will do well though, just as it did in 1979.

[editor-surveyor]

"Gold will do well though, just as it did in 1979."

This isn't 1979. Nothing like it. Gold will do ok for a few weeks, until the Euro caves to the return to the Dollar as the undisputed world currency during the deflationary adjustment we are undeniably in for the next two or three years. Gold will have to adjust; then it will resume its rise when inflation is restored (restoration of inflation is the chief purpose of the 'bailouts.')

[Fee]

I see depression for atleast ten years, Argentinian style government policy. The borrow and spend expansion economy of the US based on consuming and not producing is over and left the US broke but supported by printing of dollars. Deflation is first as huge inventory of products must be liquidated at low prices followed by hyper inflation as the excess printing of US dollars will catch up. The world fiancial system is collapsing (government and international bankers cannot control the process) and a new one will form in its place (nature of it is unknown). It is going to be very rough for those who have debt (mortgages, equity loans, credit card balances). Organize your family, street and town for the coming storm, that is the only way we will survive the coming crime wave, riots, and service disruptions.