By Evelina M. Tainer, Chief Economist, Econoday
July 26, 2002

Economic news didn't seem to matter this week. The bulk of it was reported on Thursday but market players were active all week. Prices were generally headed lower until Wednesday when the Dow Industrials staged a major rally. Other stock indices weren't as lucky. The story remains the same: the economic recovery is in place but investors remain concerned that the stock market debacle will depress consumer spending in coming months. It remains to be seen.