CNN must be aimed at those who are totally passive and clueless -- or at LEAST those who can't put things together. That is an affliction that I DON'T share, however.

According to their financial site (CNNMoney.com), the stock market is up today in part because of "lower oil prices".

However, another article on CNNMoney says that those lower oil prices were due to the entire world freaking out about the future of the USA's economy. In other words, the grand consensus of the whole world is that there is a LOT to worry about regarding the US economy.

So that pessimism and worry brought oil prices down (which makes sense...there will be less demand for oil, etc. if the USA takes a downturn) -- so now the American stock traders say "Wow -- lower oil prices! That's great news for the American economy!"

Madness.