Random Thoughts

With the big news being government dysfunction – the partial shutdown in the US, the Brexit power play in the UK, Hong Kong’s volatility and Italy’s lagging growth, earnings reports provided a modest nudge to the markets which was welcomed generally by the Financials.  I’m more interested in the forthcoming multinational reports as a barometer of health.  Thus – as usual in earnings season – my mind tends to wander to obscure – some could posit meaningless – issues to occupy myself.  With a short market week and the only other to-do item is blog housekeeping – here’s my diversionary tactic.