TrendPointers Investment Sentiment Signals indicate that reality and psychology have finally met and embraced one another. Truly negative sentiment is at an all time high in the media.
We track investment and economic sentiment in three major media sources, but the business media is the one we watch most. The gurus may be early, the mass media are usually too late, but once the trend becomes apparent in the business media its time to think about some actions. Now, all three media sentiment trends are definitely negative and positive views have nearly disappeared.

-- Guru media: Positive Sentiment 5% vs. Negative 43%

-- Business media: Positive 10% vs. Negative 45%

-- Mass media: Positive 13% vs. Negative 34%.

TrendPointers' Sentiment Signals has reported the predominantly negative/uncertain mood since April of 2007, it took a turn for the worse in the fall of 2007, and the reality has now caught up with the news. 90% of the business media sentiment is at best uncertain or convinced that the economy is in serious trouble.

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The long feared collapse of the housing market and the sub-prime crunch is real -- oil is over $100 a barrel, the continuing slide of the dollar and employment woes. There is little consensus about how the "rebates" will help. There is little agreement about what could support a genuine rebound. Historical evidence is often cited regarding the length of recessions, but many in the media cite the "perfect storm" of economic ruptures.

But, now that the "Recession" moment has arrived perhaps there is also a sigh of relief, because the anticipation part is over, and the observers can focus on the recovery hopes.

As we write this the Fed has supported credit availability and the market has skyrocketed. We'll be watching sentiment very closely over the next two weeks to see if the renewed hope sticks.

Sentiment Signals is a proprietary method for interpreting the content of public news with regard to the message, advice, warnings and other aspects of "sentiment." The cumulative flow and impact of media sentiment influences decisions. TrendPointers captures the sentiment shifts first.

To access the full Sentiment Signals Report, visit www.trendpointers.com.