Today's ISM services number was a disappointment. The economy can't improve if the only sector expanding is the consumers. And now the mixed retail result is raising concerns there, too. |
We continue to be in this trading range, at the lower end right now, ... The only catalysts that can get us out of here in the next few weeks is some relief at the pump, lower oil prices and news about how much the Fed is going to raise rates. |
We have a lot of difficulty with the telecom service sector, ... It looks like the bad news is localized in that company and that sector. We're at a point where most of the major shocks have been had and the market action today, after the gains over the last few days, is very constructive. |
We sold off pretty heavily in January coming off last year's rally, and I don't think we'll see as much of that in 2006. This year's start could be a little more bullish, and you still have lots of companies sitting on a lot of cash that can be put to use in 2006. |
We're at a point where there is some rotation, but I believe it's a very positive development because you're getting broader participation on the economically sensitive sector because, the fear of recession is going away and the deflation fear is gone, ... Business Day. |
We're in this transition period right now, getting ready for interest rates to start rising, which will happen June 30, and for second-quarter profit reporting season to start, which will be early July, ... Those things could get the market going again. |
We've had a 7.5 percent correction in the Nasdaq and something more modest in the Dow and S&P 500 over the last six weeks, so you've got a little bounce right now, |
What happens with Iraq is very important in January and February to pretty much set the tone for how the economy will fare for the rest of the year. So when we have that answer, then you can get your market direction. In the meantime, you essentially move sideways. |
What's going to be positive here is delivered earnings, a fairly bright outlook for the second half by corporations, and a growing comfort among investors that perhaps the tightening initiative by the Fed is coming to a close, |
When you look at how the market is trading, the big cap names in the right sectors are leading the market, |
Whenever companies come out with warnings, it reminds investors about the perilous nature of the earnings environment at the moment, |
You have some good economic data, but I think everyone is still trying to figure out what the post-Hurricane Katrina environment is like, ... For now, the fundamentals look strong, but that could change in the next few months as the distortions caused by Katrina come through in the economic data, and that's what has people holding off. |