The recent surprising rate cut by the Fed drives home predictions by several economists that the US economy is on the brink of recession. Corporate profit weakness and sliding consumer confidence are just a few of the signs that point to an impending slowdown. The stock market has spoken as well: the market generally can boast 20/20 hindsight, but over time has proved a valuable forward indicator of economic trends. The severe drubbing suffered by most stock market participants over the past few...