As Steve Ricchiuto explained to a stunned CNBC audience, [3] the US economy is not as awesome as the narrative would proclaim. In fact, based on the underlying data (as opposed to anecdotal perspectives like Jim Cramer this morning dismissing hard data - "I am no longer using these aggregate retail sales reports" - in favor of rose-colored glass half-full CEO expectations from earnings calls) 2015 has seen US macro data deteriorate and disappoint the most since 2006... and weakest absolute start to the year since 2009.
Umm, Yellen we have a problem... worst relative start to a year since 2006
[4]
Not decoupled at all.... worst absolute start to the year since 2009
[5]
But there is one decoupling...
[6]
Charts: Bloomberg
