Economics and Investing:

Barron’s mentioned a “Buy” indicator on Smith and Wesson. I second the motion, but to be more specific: Make it one of the early stainless steel S&Ws with the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. (“Pinned and recessed.”) For revolvers, you can’t go wrong with an early production Model 629. I like the 6″ barrel length, (except for concealed carry), but the Barron’s didn’t give any details. What? You say he only owns S&W stock? You can’t stop a charging grizzly with a stock certificate. Invest in tangibles!

Fed is Said to Seek Capital for at Least Six Banks

Swine Flu Fear Catching Fast in Weak World Economy

Items from The Economatrix:

US Economy Shrinks More than Expected

Fed Takes Fresh Stock of Economy

Citi and BofA Must Raise Billions in Capital, Says Leaked Stress Test Stress test results and flu drive markets down worldwide

Gold Hits Four-Week High as Swine Flu Fears Grow and China Builds Reserves

Swine Flu Over Cuckoo Markets

Chrysler to File Bankruptcy as Talks with Creditors Fail

New Jobless Claims Drop Unexpectedly to 631K Continuing claims near 6.3 million

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: Swine Flu Deflation

Shell Profits Skid 58% in 1st Quarter