One of the best early indicators of the American economy may be breast implants, tummy tucks and LASIK procedures. According to the December 8th Wall Street Journal, cosmetic surgery is a dead-on indicator of consumer confidence. Confidence is not a perfect match for consumer behavior, but uninsured cosmetic procedures are expensive, put off-able acts like car buying and condo shopping.
The Journal tells us that breast building is soft, and the fat has been sucked out of the liposuction racket for the moment, so we can expect the stock market to droop.
Cutera, the Brisbane, California laser maker, says that their earnings picture has darkened like liver spots, which may translate into weaker house remodeling sales and affect our world adversely.
Never underestimate the importance of Botox. It’s one more wrinkle in understanding the path of the machining world.
