Auto sales down in January Auto sales have fallen again in January, a familiar theme over the past few months. This is ample evidence that the economy is not exactly in the pink of health. Journalists should badger the politicians to explain why the economy is doing well if the people stay away from purchasing big-ticket items. Banks have already tightened the credit screws on consumers. If the economy is doing so well, why are the lenders still nervous? Right now, the politicians are hailing the rise in the KL Composite Index as the irrefutable proof that the economy is pulsating with life and vigour. Yes, the stock market is booming, with foreign funds doing most of the buying. With the US dollar weakening which conveniently helps strengthen the Ringgit, foreign fund managers, never one to miss out on chances to make a buck, are picking up local stocks. At any signs of the ringgit weakening, these stocks will be dropped and the foreign funds move away to another market to play. And despite the government's insistence that it is not articifially pushing up numbers, it remains to be seen if savvy investors, observers, really believe this line.  ¶ 3:02 PM