As I expected the Fed held rates steady this week and the news caused a quick rally in the stock market. The question you might be asking yourself is WHY? 

The Fed's decision to keep rates near zero is a signal that it does not believe the economy is on a firm footing. This SHOULD cause investors to sell amid the risk of another recession or slow growth. But that's not what happened. 

It is further evidence that our financial market is addicted to Fed money and its current valuations are driven not by actual fundamentals but by Fed action. 

It's a dangerous time to be an investor. But knowing what's happening and why is the first step in being able to make an informed decision about what to do.

In other news the U.S. has decided it may need to change it's policy toward the training of Syrian rebels after a 500 million dollar attempt to train 5400 rebel troops resulted in a total of only 5 graduates. 

This further demonstrates the total incompetence of the pentagon and the lack of a cohesive strategy while politicians on both sides clammer for more military action. 

Complicating the situation is Russia who is now sending weapons and equipment to the Syrian military to use against ISIS and other rebels. These are presumably the same rebels we are training since they will be used not just to fight ISIS but also to overthrow the Assad regime. 

It's ugly out there. But I'm going to make sense of it for you. Hit that play button and I'll see you Monday!

Jason