The explanation for the weak guidance: higher component costs, back-to-school discounts and a mysterious "product transition" will cause Apple earnings to come in lower than expected.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Because consumer spending is by far the largest component of GDP and it is weak, we must stimulate it.

FORBES: How to Get the Economy Growing Again

Rubicon Technology reported on Thursday that its fourth-quarter profit dropped 94% as weak demand continued to hurt the electronic-component supplier's sales.

WSJ: S&P 500 Notches Highest Close Since June 2008