So, where are we?

The "deal" the Republicans struck with the Dems raises taxes for 77% of the taxpayers and as a bonus for Democrats, split the GOP. The majority in the Senate voted for the deal and the majority in the House opposed it. As  for fixing the Deficit? No. This was about raising tax rates on upper earners; a continuation of Obama's class warfare.

Too early to tell what will happen to the economy and when. Oil has gone past $93/bbl (now that the Saudis got their man in the WH), the VIX is rising and gold and silver are moving up also. We maybe close to the turning in gold price.