Economic data for the U.S. is now tracking close to 6% GDP growth for the third quarter, according to the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow forecast, which provides a running estimate of real GDP growth based on available economic data for the current quarter. In contrast, the data for Europe shows the economy may be back in recession. Yet, the stock markets are favoring Europe with the average European stock outperforming the average U.S. stock this year and there is a tie in the race so far in the third quarter. Why the weak economy yet strong stock market? Because sentiment matters. Disappointing data The Eurozone's economic ... (full story)