      The highest correlation between stocks exists between stocks in thesame industry sector. Over time, there are always some sectors that are"hot," and some that are "not." Because there has been a net inflow ofinvestor funds into the U.S. equity markets during the past decade ofeconomic expansion, buying pressure has far outstripped selling pressure.Demand for stocks, paralleled by a strong economy and a plethora ofprofitable, growing companies (which is the primary cause for the demand inthe first place), has caused stock prices to gain dramatically in value.The introduction of computers in every aspect of our economy has been theprimary catalyst for this expansion (Bill Clinton might disagree with mehere), bringing increased efficiency, reduced production costs, andeconomies of scale to almost every business in the nation. The averageannual gains in the U.S. markets during the past five years far outstripsthe average annual gains in the U.S. markets during the past 75 years.