I'm no economist or financial expert

But as I've watched the stock market soar one week, and plummet another, with no apparent rhyme or reason, I've concluded that the stock market is irrelevant to the well being of the average person.  Especially with our increasingly globalized economy, I have the sneaking suspicion that the Market doesn't need all Americans to be on their feet any more.  So whether it is soaring or tanking, I'll bet it does little to translate into how the average Joe or Jane on the street is doing.  I occasionally get a gut feeling that sometimes it is actually better for Wall Street when Joe or Jane American is struggling the most.  Though I could be wrong.