Stock-market newsletter writer dies

Richard Russell, publisher and writer of the Dow Theory Letters newsletter for nearly six decades, died Saturday at the age of 91.

The former World War II combat bombardier, Russell turned Dow Theory Letters into the longest-running investment letter written by the same person, according to Russell's death notice to subscribers.

Russell continued writing for the newsletter until about a week before succumbing to a variety of ailments associated with aging, including blood clots in the leg and lungs.

Russell's longevity in the investment media community won him fans over the years. He developed an index of economic and stock market indicators that he said helped him time the stock market's ups and downs. His market opinions didn't just include stocks, but also commodities and broad economic trends.

Russell, a native New Yorker, passed in San Diego, Calif., where he had made his home.