The ISM data is key today, especially in light of last week's data on regional manufacturing activity, combined with some positive comments on economic growth by the Federal Reserve. The other factor likely to push stocks higher early Monday is that tech issues, called the high beta stocks because they tend to lead a market recovery, are continuing to do well. That's certainly a plus for the market. |
The likelihood that oil hovers near the $59 mark is not a positive for markets because at that level investors are now looking at new highs for the commodity, |
The likelihood that oil hovers near the $59 mark is not a positive for markets because at that level investors are now looking at new highs for the commodity. |
The market has been watching oil prices very closely and there appears to be a near-term reprieve. Oil will continue to remain a dominant story with respect to the market. |
The markets are having a tug of war between those who feel there will be a recession and those who do not. |
The markets are still very defensive in tone. Airlines are still being hit quite sharply. But we saw some renewed interest in some of the telecommunication names, |
The markets are still very defensive in tone. Airlines are still being hit quite sharply. But we saw some renewed interest in some of the telecommunication names. |
The Royal Dutch/Shell story could be a drag on the sector today. |
The worse the outlook for corporate profits the better it's becoming for investors who are beginning to sense that perhaps the central bank will not raise interest rates again, ... When liquidity is in poor supply, it's good for stocks versus other asset classes. |
There has been a slight softening in the economic data. Profits generally grow in line with the cycle, so if the economic data is growing sideways, or is not as strong as it was, then to what extent does that indicate (a) troubled recovery in profits?. |
There is a little bit of uncertainty about what exactly Mr. Greenspan will say today. Investors want to hear about interest rates. Yes, the economy has shown some signs of suffering recently, but that's countered by other data indicating continued improvement overall. Investors are cautious until they hear more from Greenspan today. |
There is U.S. existing home sales data out today that is quite key with what's happening with the state of the U.S. consumer. I think the consensus view is that you're still likely to see a great hold up, but if [the data] oppose that view it could have some impact on the markets. |
There's a 50:50 chance of whether [the Fed] will raise rates today. The general view is that rates will go up in the United States, it's whether they go up today or not. |
These three data points from Europe and Bill Gross' comments [Tuesday] do support speculation about the Federal Reserve rethinking its rates policy. |
This week is expected to be quiet with no major earnings reports, ... reached a bottom but a sharp upturn is unlikely. |