how does this impact the u.s. stock market? is there a direct cause and effect? no, not at all. it is getting stronger, even though the gdp for the fourth quarter was lighter than expect, growing 3.2% as reported friday morning. the interconnectedness of let s say, the middle eastern markets and the u.s. is somewhat limited. again, oil prices are the real, you know, factor that may drive u.s. stock prices up or down. i think we worry more about oil than whether or not the dubai market goes up or down or the saudi market goes up and down. whether it s the oil situation, the political unrest and the instability there, do sue see anything that could lead to a panicked trigger on the new york stock exchange tomorrow? the shut joung down of the s canal. that s not going to happen overnight. no. if it spread to oil-producing