[quote=4plexowner]The telling signal WAS Starbucks but the signal occurred when they announced the closing of 300 stores (late 2008 or early 2009)

Then, Toyota sales declined dramatically in the US

If those two signals aren’t enough for you then you aren’t paying attention and don’t understand what drives the US economy (it’s the consumer, stupid!)

[/quote]

5 years ago i’d stop into starbucks every morning, buy a latte
and a breakfast slice of walnut bread.

Now, i stop into starbucks once a week, get a drip coffee, and a
brownie if i am starving.