Some people are just wired to worry, and nothing worries them more than NOT knowing why they are worried. Take a look at the recent U.S. economic data:

1. The ISM data shows manufacturing, long thought dead, is actually “firming”.
2. Construction spending is also bouncing back.
3. Consumer Income, Consumer Confidence and Consumer Sentiment are all increasing.
4. Third quarter GDP growth was a surprisingly solid, robust 3.6%.
5. Existing Home Sales are up.
6. Unemployment and inflation are both low.
7. And, did I mention that the stock market is close to record highs?

Of course, there is a recession somewhere out there in our future, — there is always a recession in the future — but it is not in the foreseeable future. So, that is at least something to worry about! In addition,we still remain vulnerable to another “financial heart attack” from the murky, unregulated world of derivatives. So, that is something else to worry about.

If you are wired to worry, here is your homework assignment for the weekend . . .

Sunday, the Italians will decide whether to take a second step to rebuilding their nation. The first step was liberalizing some of the highly-restrictive work rules last year. The election on Sunday could end the perpetual gridlock of the government, where there have been ninety different administrations in the last century. The vote is nothing more than a vote on wearing a strait-jacket or not? Also on Sunday in Austria, another extremist ideologue will likely be elected President.

Following the near-death experience of Greece and Cyprus a few years ago, the Brexit vote in June, the pending “Frexit” vote in France, Sunday’s two votes may determine whether the Eurozone will survive. The stakes are not small.

If you are wired to worried, stop worrying about the US economy and start worrying about the Eurozone economy . . . starting Sunday.

There! At least, you now know what you are worrying about . . . don’t you?