A common human tendency is to take what you see on trust, not ask yourself what is really inside, below the surface. This tendency simplifies our lives – you do not want to stop every minute and ask yourself deep questions – but it also contributes to the tendency towards thoughtless living. The powers that be exploit this tendency to take advantage of crowds.
Here is a link to an article on another blog, exhibiting ‘the true skinny’ behind the Dow numbers:
www.ritholtz.com/blog/2009/01/bianco-the-dow-is-distorted/
Live with your eyes open! Thanks to Kerry for bringing this piece to my attention.
Alex