U.S. stocks: 72 percent bullish / 28 percent bearish

European stocks: 66 percent bullish / 34 percent bearish

Emerging markets stocks: 53 percent bullish / 47 percent bearish

Japanese stocks: 30 percent bullish / 70 percent bearish

Chinese stocks: 29 percent bullish / 71 percent bearish

The American Association of Individual Investors’ Sentiment Survey reported, when compared to money managers, investors are less neutral (43 percent) and more bearish (24 percent) about what may happen during the next six months. Current levels of pessimism might have inspired Sir John Templeton, a renowned contrarian investor. He once said, “Bull markets are born on pessimism, grow on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria.”

On Average, Americans Spend 91% Of Their Time Indoors Or In A Vehicle

Just 7 to 8 percent of their time is spent outside. These were the findings of The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS) which measures variation in human exposure to pollutants. The findings do not bode well for Americans’ health because levels of pollution indoors are a lot higher than those outside and can cause serious health issues. They also are notable because researchers believe being outside has positive health effects:

“Research published in the Journal of Aging Health shows that getting outside on a daily basis may help older people stay healthy and functioning longer. Participants in the study who spent time outdoors every day at age 70 showed fewer complaints of aching bones or sleep problems, among other health-related problems, at age 77 than those who did not head outside each day.”

Being outside is thought to have benefits for people of all ages. These may include:

• Greater optimism
• Enhanced mental health
• Improved attention spans
• Stronger immune systems

Rearranging time budgets to include more outdoor activities could improve financial outcomes, too, since healthcare costs are a concern for many families, and these costs often increase as people age. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, on average, Americans spent about $53,500 in 2014. Almost $4,300 – about 8 percent – was spent on healthcare. ]]>