Almost!

Straight out of the gate today, the Dow flew over the 12,000 mark, gaining more than 100 points at one time. The gains dwindled, though, and we ended just shy of 12,000, so we'll have to wait for tomorrow. Large-caps managed to stay in positive territory, but the NASDAQ gave up about 1/4%. Social Security recipients will receive 3.3% more next year, as inflation figures stay in line with long run averages. This, after a 4.1% increase in 2006. In connection with this, consumer prices fell about 1/2% last month, so inflation is looking rather tame... good news for stocks. Dow +37.38 NASDAQ -8.90 S&P 500 +1.24