Investors always are searching for clues as to data and trends ahead that would influence market outcomes. There is no shortage of prognosticators, forecasters, pollsters and seers. The farther into the future and the more complex the subject, the more uncertain the guidance provided. The most recent U.S. jobs report was a case in point. 467,000 jobs were created in January, far exceeding the consensus forecast of 150,000. Not far into the future and seemingly not complex. The pandemic struck again. Forecasts were based on the sharp rise in omicron virus cases, suggesting that employment gains would be derailed. Not so. A review of some recent clues can provide perspective for investing yet ahead.