- Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU): down 13.3% in the last three months
The masses are divided over the administration. They are giving Obama good personal approval ratings but express doubts over policies. The public is almost evenly divided over Obama’s economic reforms, but investors are warming up to the administration’s plans on helping the banking sector and its public-private toxic debt plan.
Obama got dealt a lousy hand. He took office during a recession, a banking crisis, a stock market collapse and rising unemployment. He also had to focus his resources on the root of the problem, the banks. The markets seem to be reacting well to the fact that there now appears to be a more defined plan.
We may have to go back to the well a few times more, but many on Wall Street feel that we may finally be on the road to a recovery.
Next up for Obama will be focusing on jobs – it’s hard to create them and think about them when you’re dealing with a banking crisis. Obama will also have to focus on stemming the tide of foreclosures and personal bankruptcies, as well.
For full disclosure, some of Tom Lydon’s clients own shares of XRT.
Max Chen contributed to this article.