The fear that kept small investors from participating in one of the greatest bull markets in history may be losing its grip.
The White House reached a tentative deal with Republican leaders last week to cut taxes. Economists are raising their estimates for economic growth, and jobless claims have fallen 15 percent from a year ago. The monthly trade report released Friday showed surging demand for American products, and the University of Michigan’s December consumer sentiment index reached its highest point since June. There’s even good news about two symbols of Wall Street recklessness. The government sold its last stock in Citigroup Inc. on Dec. 7 and could do the same soon with its stake in American International Group Inc.
