Yet the human capital cost of the downturn goes even deeper. A record one in 10 Americans now depend on food stamps. Retirement accounts have lost between $2 trillion to $4 trillion -- deferring retirement for millions and, again, rippling out into the economy, including to sectors that had become flush for decades thanks to the rising living standards and disposable income of American retirees. Meanwhile, foreclosures keep rising and house values keep falling -- showing continued weakness in the biggest asset that average Americans possess. This was especially true through the past eight years as wages stagnated and most Americans depended on rising house values for their increased net worth. And millions of working Americans are strapped with high credit-card debt, which could be the next shoe to fall in the financial sector.

After such a long, hard ride, it's natural to be looking for the bottom, to be waiting for the sun to break through. We're not there yet.

Today's Econ Haiku:

Timmy's in the well
Lassie knows those Wall Street ties
Quick, go get help, girl