In this journal assignment, you will explore conditions that impact a portfolio. Be sure to review the Mergent Online tutorials included in the Resources section in Module One. Use online sources, including Mergent Online, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Search economy or review the Economy sections of the newspapers to research the current state of the market. Consider not only the news of the day but also what has happened in the past one to three months and what analysts expect to happen in the next six months to a year.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

1. Identify current economic indicators that may influence the direction of the stock and bond markets.
2. Explain how the current stock market valuation impacts a portfolio.
3. Describe economic and market conditions that are more beneficial for investing in stocks versus bonds.