Negative Start Turns Positive End With Tech In The Lead

Look for a negative open Thursday.   Jobless initial claims and manufacturing prices as well as earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Tech leads the broader market into positive territory as earnings continue to rule.  The Government reported jobless new claims fell last week and manufacturing prices rose in March had little effect over today's stock prices as traders are trading earnings based on expectations.   Thursday, April 22, 2010,  8:56  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:35p Eastern

Stocks Go Flat Ahead Of Data And More Earnings

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for Wednesday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Stocks are getting tired as each up or down session follows earnings.  More and more analysts are getting nervous over the stock market for fear of a correction.  Stocks have run up so much that the fear now is 'sell the news' time, or getting close.  Watch the bug for a change.   Wednesday, April 21, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:58p Eastern

Earnings Continue To Tick Stocks Higher

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Tuesday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Earnings and energy stocks send the market higher Tuesday with more earnings to come this evening for Wednesday trade.  With Apples blowout earnings report, stocks should continue to gallop on the way to new yearly highs.   Tuesday, April 20, 2010,  8:50  A.M. Eastern- updated 9:57p Eastern

Financials Lift Stocks Into Positive Territory For A Mixed Session

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Monday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Financial earnings and a better feel for the Goldman problem eases traders fear, sending stocks up Monday with tech lagging.   Monday, April 19, 2010,  8:53  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:22p Eastern

Goldman Sachs Fraud Charges Send Stocks Reeling

Look for a neutral-to-negative open for Friday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Stocks reel Friday after announcement by the SEC that fraud charges would be brought against Goldman Sachs.  Stocks fell in a knee jerk reaction, but stabilized to regain some off the loss, closing 1 to 1-1/2 percent lower.   Friday, April 16, 2010,  8:53  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:45p Eastern

U.S. Stock Market Gains For A Sixth Straight Session

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Thursday.   Jobless new claims data and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Despite bad news on the jobs front, the U.S. stock market added another positive session, making it six straight sessions for the major indexes.  A disappointing rise in jobless new claims didn't slow traders down, as they sent the broader market up for a slight gain Thursday and nearly 1/2 percent gain for the tech sector.   Thursday, April 15, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:50p Eastern

>  Unemployment new claims rose to 484,000, up 24,000- chart shows channeling of claims.

Intel Inspires Tech Surge, Broader Market Follows

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Wednesday.   Consumer prices and retail sales data as well as earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Intel and CSX earrings along with JPMorgan results send stocks way up compared to previous weeks of mostly inching higher.  Earnings is under way with traders ready to trade the news.   Wednesday, April 14, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:58p Eastern

Stocks Inch Up, Slow Grind Higher Continues

Look for a neutral flat open.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Trade deficit was the only fresh data this session that saw stocks sluggish as traders and investors trade earnings news (Alcoa) and hope for a better start with CSX and Intel later this afternoon.  Stocks continue to grind higher adding to already heavy market gains of the past 13 months.   Tuesday, April 13, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:50p Eastern

Stocks Go Flat Ahead Of Alcoa; Dow Posts Above The 11,000 Mark

Look for a neutral flat open.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as Greece worries continue.  Equities go flat Monday as traders gear up for earnings season with Alcoa reporting after the close.  Alcoa reported as expected, mostly inline with expectations, sees their markets improving.  Share price (AA) is slightly lower in the after hours.   Monday, April 12, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:00p Eastern

Greece On Again Off Again Headlines Doesn't Stop Dow 11,000

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Friday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  The Dow Jones Industrials hit 11,000, in late trade Friday, as traders cheer the less than 30-second accomplishment.  The Dow closes slightly under the non technical level with the other major indexes posting gains on the session and week.   Friday, April 9, 2010,  8:50  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:44p Eastern

Stocks Rebound Midday Recover Most Of Yesterdays Loss

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Jobless initial claims and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as retail sales for March.  Stocks rebound, break even midday, trend up to close with a gain, recovering most of yesterdays broader market losses- NASDAQ recovers all of Wednesdays loss.   Thursday, April 8, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:47p Eastern

>  Jobless new claims jump 18,000, chart shows a leveling out.

Stocks Dive- Recover Some Lost Ground In Mid Afternoon Trading

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Wednesday.  Mixed news today with Alan Greenspan testifying, defending is tenure, while Bernanke got somewhat upbeat with the economic recovery, and consumer confidence was reported to be in the dumps- sends mixed signals to traders Wednesday, sending equities lower, ending just about halfway between the highs and lows of the session.   Wednesday, April 7, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:45p Eastern

Broader Market Flattens Out While Tech Continues The Climb Higher

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Dollar and oil prices in focus for the start.  No fresh economical data saw stocks advance, end well off the high, as tech continues a strong advance with the broader market trailing.  Fed FOMC meeting minutes reiterated no rate hike for an extended period.  A slow news day saw some advances and losses...   Tuesday, April 6, 2010,  8:42  A.M. Eastern- updated 10:50p Eastern

Tech Leads The Broader Market Higher On Economic Recovery Signs

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for Monday.   Jobs payroll reports and iPad sales in focus for the start.  Jobs data Friday and continuing upbeat economical reports help send stocks higher Monday after long holiday weekend.  Dow closes in on the 11,000 mark which traders expect before a correction.   Monday, April 5, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:58p Eastern

U.S. stock market is closed for holiday

U.S. stock market is closed for the Good Friday holiday.  Markets will reopen Monday, normal schedule.  U.S. futures moved slightly on news of the U.S. creating jobs in March, after a long stretch of Americans losing jobs.  U.S. markets are closed as traders will have to wait until Monday to trade the news, which may have come in a little less than most had expected.   Friday, April 2, 2010,  10:56  A.M. Eastern

Buying In Last Minutes Send Stocks Back Up Near Highs, Model Triggers Downgrade Anyway

Look for a positive open.   Initial jobless claims and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Stocks rebound in last hour with heaver volume in the last minutes of the session to end near the high of the day.  The April Fools move caught traders a little short near the end and had to pile on which sent stocks back up after a scary move lower to the unchanged line.   Thursday, April 1, 2010,  8:48  A.M. Eastern- updated 11:48p Eastern

>  Afternoon model run changed the BLI to neutral.

>  Unemployment new claims drop, continuing the trend lower- chart.

Stocks Ink Red As Model Data Leans Neutral Awaiting Action Thursday

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Wednesday.   ADP jobs report and Fridays nonfarm payroll- unemployment report in focus for the start.  The ADP report, this morning, left traders with a sour outlook on trading, as stocks relent, moving into negative territory, while the Barometer models are leaning towards a possible downgrade of the BLI, as early as Thursday.   Wednesday, March 31, 2010,  8:46  A.M.- updated 4:45p Eastern

Stocks Post Mixed End With The Broader Market Virtually Unchanged

Look for a neutral flat open for Tuesday.   Earnings/ outlook around the corner and Fridays nonfarm payroll in focus for the start.  Slow day as stocks dip in and out of positive territory to end flat ahead of the last trading session of March and the first quarter.   Tuesday, March 30, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:49p

U.S. Stocks Gain Amid Consumer Data And Dollar Decline

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Monday.   Personal Income and Outlays report in focus for the start.  Short week and nearing end to First Quarter as traders rebalance, push stocks higher.  Consumer spending rose 0.3 percent in February.  Income rose less than 0.1 percent in February.  Dollar under pressure as Greece settles, helps stocks Monday.   Monday, March 29, 2010,  8:57  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:57p

>  Short week with lots happening, especially nonfarm payroll report.

Rally Gets Snuffed Again Amid News Of AT&T 1-Billion Charge On Health Care

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Friday.   GDP and payroll jobs data next Friday in focus for the start.  Once again stocks got off to a great start, ramping higher early, but near the noon-hour the rally got snuffed amid news that AT&T is planning a one billion charge on health care reform.  GDP data, which was adjusted lower, got traders buying equities right out of the start.  Somewhat like yesterdays session, stocks couldn't hold the gains, fell to end mixed at the unchanged line.   Friday, March 26, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:44p

>  GDP for the 4th quarter was 5.6 percent, revised lower from previous estimate.

Rally Ends At The Unchanged Line Ahead Of GDP

Look for a positive open Thursday.   Jobless initial claims data in focus for the start as well as GDP data tomorrow and nonfarm payroll next Friday.  The stock market rally ended at 1:30pm ET as the Dollar ramped higher sending the stock market lower to its mixed end, as investors and traders prepare for tomorrows GDP.  Stocks got off to a rip roaring start on Best Buy and Qualcomm outlook but troubles spark the Dollar to shoot higher as traders sell equities down.   Thursday, March 25, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:52p

>  Jobless initial claims takes another drop to 442,000- chart.

Traders Take Profit Ahead Of Jobless Data Tomorrow, GDP Friday

Look for a neutral-to-negative open for Wednesday.   Durable Goods report in focus for the start.  Traders take profit Wednesday ahead of fresh major data this week and next, when Jobless new claims- tomorrow- GDP on Friday and the nonfarm payroll jobs report the following Friday.  Helping sellers to take profit today was the Portugal credit downgrade, while the Durable Goods report couldn't help buyers, as the stock market is seen as slightly overbought.    Wednesday, March 24, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:51p

Buyers Drive Stocks Higher, Closing Virtually At The Highs

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Tuesday.  News of the day showed existing home sales fell and the President signs the health care reform bill, seem to have little effect over the markets until the last hour when buyers stepped in an drove shares higher to close virtually at the highs of the session.  Talk of a good GDP number and a positive jobs number also helped sideline sellers in Tuesdays session.   Tuesday, March 23, 2010,  8:55  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:50p

>  Dow leads late day buying spree.

Back To Positive Ness, Recovering Fridays Loss

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Monday.   Health care bill pass Congress in focus for the start.  Health care bill or no bill, stocks emerged out of negative territory, late morning, to recover some of Fridays losses.   Monday, March 22, 2010,  8:56  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:00p

Tech Stocks Lead The Broader Market Lower

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Friday.   Options expiration today could increase volatility.  Yesterdays good news [jobless claims - consumer prices] had zero effect on traders Friday as stocks end the session lower on options expiration trading.  U.S. stock market rest Friday as traders take a little profit from the recent run-up.  Health care reform to be battled over this weekend also played a role in today's trading and will probably play a larger role next week.   Friday, March 19, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:58p

Dow Ramps Up, Broader Market Struggles At The Unchanged Line

Look for a neutral flat open Thursday.   CPI and jobless initial claims data in focus for the start.  Dow continues its trek higher posting another gain while tech stocks end slightly higher and the S&P 500 ending slightly lower.  Jobless new claims came in with a small decline, pointing the way to a slow jobs recovery.  Headline consumer prices were unchanged helped by declining energy prices in February.   Thursday, March 18, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:43p

>  Dow on a roll, broader market flat Thursday.

>  Consumer Prices inflation indicator was unchanged in February by decline in energy.

>  Unemployment new claims dropped last week continuing downward trend- chart.

U.S. Market Holds Gain Amid Testimony On The Hill

Look for a neutral-to-positive open.   Manufacturing inflation data (PPI) in focus for the start.  Manufacturing prices, an inflation index, (the PPI report) declined unexpectedly, indicating no inflation problem for the foreseeable future.  Bernanke and Volcker on the Hill testifying, having little effect over traders.  The stock market put in another good session, off the highs, stocks close up by near 1/2 percent.   Wednesday, March 17, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:36p

>  Another up day as stocks climb steadily higher without the retail investor.

>  PPI manufacturing inflation drops 0.6 percent, core up 0.01.

Stocks Move Up As Fed Keeps Rate Target Unchanged, Says Economy Strengthening

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for Tuesday.   Fed FOMC meeting is the focus.  No rate change is expected and very little change in the accompanying statement on monetary policy.  Fed moved markets Tuesday with a thumbs up on the economy and probable no rate hike anytime soon.  Oil ramped up as did gold and other commodities.  The S&P 500 led the way with a 3/4 percent gain.   Tuesday, March 16, 2010,  8:59  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:54p

>  Oil jumps to near $82 a bbl amid economic strengthening statement by Fed.

>  Fed leaves rates unchanged says economic activity continues to strengthen.

Stocks On The Mend, Bouncing Off The Low, Posts Mixed End

Look for a neutral-to-negative open for Monday.  Stocks go flat Monday as traders await the Fed FOMC meeting set for Tuesday.  U.S. equities end a slow day in mixed mode with the NASDAQ ending slightly lower.   Monday, March 15, 2010,  8:46  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:52p

Fridays Stock Market- Slow- Posts Mixed End

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for Friday.   Retail sales data in focus for the start.  Slow going Friday as stocks end mixed while the S&P 500 bumps up against the 1,150 mark.   Friday, March 12, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:33p

Another Positive Session Thursday As Stocks Emerge From Negative Territory

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Thursday.   Jobless new claims data in focus for the start.  U.S. shares add another positive day of trade, as stocks emerged from negative territory in the afternoon session, to end up nearly 1/2 percent.  U.S. market has now been positive 8 sessions out of the past 10, with the other 2 as mixed.  Jobless new claims dropped to 462,000, nearly 200,000 from a year ago- recovery is making progress.   Thursday, March 11, 2010,  8:50  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:50p

>  Jobless claims declined 6,000 last week- chart

Tech Led, Dow Flat Wednesday As Fresh Economical Data Is Sparse

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for Wednesday.  NASDAQ stocks outperform with the broader market following as the Dow stocks struggled at the unchanged line, ending slightly higher.   Wednesday, March 10, 2010,  8:43  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:41p

Stocks Sink In Afternoon Session, Bounce Back To End With Gains, In Last Half Hour

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Tuesday.   Cisco Systems makes big announcement this morning and this time last year the S&P 500 closed at 676.53, advanced nearly 462 points since then.  Afternoon model run has upgraded the Market Barometer Forecast to positive.  U.S. stock market gives up gains Tuesday, sending the market lower going into the close, amid Barometer Forecast upgrade.   Tuesday, March 9, 2010,  8:56  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:43p

>  Stock market makes comeback on this Bear bottom anniversary.

>  Afternoon Barometer model changed the forecast to positive on upbeat outlook.

>  Cisco Systems introduced a new Routing System for the Internet, with more than 12 times the capacity of the nearest competing system. A huge increase of capacity that is capable of streaming all known movies and all of the Library of Congress print, in less than 4 minutes.

Stocks ended mixed with tech outperforming on upgrades

Look for a neutral flat open could turn mixed.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  U.S. stock market performance was choppy Monday, trended lower after the Dollar advanced.  S&P 500 and the Dow closed slightly lower while Tech [NASDAQ] ended slightly higher, helped by Cisco Systems.   Monday, March 8, 2010,  8:47  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:45p

Stocks Ramp Up On Payroll Data, Gold And Oil Follow

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Friday.   Nonfarm payroll and unemployment report as well as earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Friendly jobs data set the tone Friday, as traders and investors push the stock market higher, ending virtually at the high of the session.  Market Barometer forecast data shows a change to positive for the Barometer Forecast could be just sessions away.   Friday, March 5, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:43p

>  U.S. stock market rallied Friday on better than expected jobs data.

>  Unemployment rate holds at 9.7 percent for February.

>  Government report shows 36,000 jobs lost in February, less than expected.

Dow Jones Index Closed Half Percent Higher Ahead Of The Nonfarm Payroll Report

Look for a neutral flat open for Thursday.  Could turn positive.  Jobless new claims and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as nonfarm payroll tomorrow.  U.S. stock market does well ahead of the jobs unemployment report which is due out before the open tomorrow.  Jobless new claims data and retail sales numbers get traders and investors to push stocks up 1/2 percent ahead of the nonfarm report Friday morning.   Thursday, March 4, 2010,  8:55  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:49p- corrected 5:48p

>  Economic data set tone for Thursdays trade, investors look forward to Friday.

>  Unemployment new claims drop 29,000 last week- chart.

Stocks Fall To Unchanged, Ahead Of Unemployment New Claims And Payroll On Friday

Look for a neutral flat open Wednesday.   ADP jobs report and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as the Greece bailout.  U.S. stock market fell back to the opening prices Wednesday after achieving a good start.  Beige Book jitters and major data tomorrow and Friday kept buyers on the sidelines in the afternoon trade.  The Unemployment new claims data released tomorrow morning could send stocks in either direction if data comes in unexpectedly high or low.  The payroll and unemployment rate report Friday could set the tone for the near-term in either direction, especially if more negative than forecasted.   Wednesday, March 3, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:43p

Barometer Forecast Bias Changed To Positive While Stocks Go Flat Tuesday

Look for a neutral-to-positive open.   Look for a Forecast-Bias upgrade today.  Earnings/ outlook still a focus for the start.  The mid afternoon model has changed the Forecast Bias to positive.  Three session rally slows Tuesday as stocks ramped up early but selling took over as shares slip from the highs to end with a slight gain.   Tuesday, March 2, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:34p

>  Bias upgrade paves the way for Forecast change to positive.

>  Mid afternoon Barometer model has changed the Forecast Bias to positive.

M&A Set The Tone, Personal Spending And Income Saw Stocks Rise Monday

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for March 1, Monday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Stocks rally Monday as M&A activity picked-up setting the tone for the session.  Economical data [Personal Spending Outlays report] helped the rally to sustain the [virtually] highs of the day.  The broader market, as measured by the S&P 500, closed up one percent.   Monday, March 1, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:57p

>  Mergers and economical data saw March start out in rally mode.

Mixed Data Saw Stocks Slightly Higher Friday

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Friday.  Could turn mixed.   GDP and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Mixed data (GDP and home sales) set the tone for a mostly flat session with stocks ending slightly higher.   Friday, February 26, 2010,  8:47  A.M. Eastern- updated 2/27/2010- 9:48a

>  GDP ramped up in the last quarter of 2009, above expectations.

U.S. Stock Market Sinks On Unemployment New Claims, Ends Well Off The Lows

Look for a negative open Thursday.   Jobless claims, durable goods, and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Dramatic recovery by stocks Thursday, as unemployment new claims sent traders selling while a dramatic reversal came in early afternoon trade, sending equities back up, nearly to the unchanged line.  An unexpected rise in jobless claims took its toll early, as traders sold out while Shorts added to the decline.   Thursday, February 25, 2010,  8:56  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:51p

>  Stocks sell off early, trending back to close with a moderate loss Thursday.

>  Unemployment new claims rise unexpectedly- chart.

Stocks Up On Bernanke While The Dollar Recovers Early Loss

Look for a neutral flat open.  Could turn mixed.   Bernanke on the Hill and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  The mid afternoon model-run has changed the Barometer Leading Indicator (BLI) to positive, indicating a new leg up for the stock market has been detected.  Both Bernanke and Toyota Execs on the Hill today giving testimony, with Bernanke about the economy and Toyota getting hammered by Congress over the Automakers woes.  It appears that the interest rate will be maintained near zero for some time to come, as the economy continues to struggle.  Stocks went higher Wednesday recovering most of yesterdays loss.   Wednesday, February 24, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:37p

>  Up day for stocks on words from Bernanke before Congress.

>  Model upgrades Leading Indicator to positive.

Consumer Confidence And Home Sales Sink Stocks

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Consumer confidence report disappointed traders Tuesday, sending shares lower as economic data continues to drive the markets.   Tuesday, February 23, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:37p

>  Consumer confidence and home sales send stocks to a loss.

Market consolidates as Leading Indicator gets upgrade

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Monday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Morning model run is changing the BLI back to neutral.  Choppy trading Monday as the stock market consolidate last weeks gain.  Traders and investors are satisfied for now as they await Ben Bernanke's testimony later in the week.  Oil prices up holding close to the $80 bbl mark.   Monday, February 22, 2010,  8:45  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:46p

>  Market consolidates Monday as traders await Ben Bernanke testimony.

U.S. Stocks Make It Four In A Row Amid Rate Hike Worries

Look for a neutral-to-negative open for Friday.   Surprise discount rate hike by the Fed take world markets lower and U.S. futures negative for the open.  Despite the surprise discount rate hike yesterday, stocks hung around the unchanged line and closed well into positive territory Friday.  The rate hike announcement [yesterday] was most likely deliberate in the timing; not announced at the regular FOMC meeting, but ahead of next weeks Bernanke testimony on the Hill.  U.S. traders shook off the opening "shot across the bow" to the now committed tightening of monetary policy on the FOMC calendar and ran stocks up for a fourth session.   Friday, February 19, 2010,  8:51  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:54p corrected 5:46p

>  Consumer price index rose slightly, core price fell.

U.S. Stocks Put Together Three Day Rally As Shares Spike Towards The Close

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Thursday.   Jobless new claims and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Case in point where not so friendly economical data doest disturb the markets advance as shares rise for a third session.  Even though the Bias was changed back to neutral Tuesday, and that we have been saying, for the past several sessions, that this rally can continue, the model that deals directly with the BLI still shows negative, although the metrics of the model are improving.  This means there still is a chance the market downturn could resume.  Model data indicates at least two more neutral to positive sessions would be needed to upgrade the BLI back to neutral.   Thursday, February 18, 2010,  9:09  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:49p

>  The Federal Reserve will increase the Discount Rate to 0.75 percent at midnight tonight, February 19, 2010.  The announcement came after the close of the regular session this evening.  Futures immediately moved lower and signal a lower open Friday.  The Fed left the target for the Fed Funds rate unchanged.

>  Manufacturing prices sharply higher in January, above expectations, causing some concern.

>  Unemployment new claims jump dampening the open Thursday- chart.

Wednesday Sees Follow Through From Tuesdays Rally Gaining Near 1/2 Percent

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Wednesday.   Housing data and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  What was it, housing data, FOMC minutes, or just "its about time" that investors jump back into this market.  Stocks added to yesterdays gains by almost 1/2 percent across the broader market.  Models continue to look good for a sharp rise later in the week with an upgrade to the BLI likely.   Wednesday, February 17, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:00p

>  Models split but lean towards another bull market rally in coming days.

Stocks Rally Prompting A Forecast Bias Change Back To Neutral

Look for a positive open Tuesday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Pre close model run is changing the Forecast Bias back to a neutral.  Commodities jump Tuesday helping the stock market rally, sending the Dow into triple digits.  Today's rally, brought to you by gold, silver, oil prices and a Dollar under pressure.  If the Dollar resumes its trade lower, we could be in for a new leg up in stocks, but we will have to get by this week in good shape.  Watch for a BLI change back to neutral, that would be a probable indication of higher market prices for shares.     Tuesday, February 16, 2010,  8:48  A.M. Eastern- updated 10:00p

>  Models indicate possible follow through for the rally, a new leg up.

>  Pre close Barometer model-run changed the Forecast-Bias back to neutral.

Stocks Bounce Around All Week But End With Nice Weekly Gain

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as long holiday weekend.  U.S. market will be closed Monday.  Geopolitical news, the Dollar, stocks, and traders equal volatility this week but stocks win out by advancing overall with tech shares in the lead.   Friday, February 12, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:53p

>  U.S. markets closed for President's Day holiday; markets will reopen Tuesday, normal schedule.

>  Wild ride as traders eke out a one percent gain on the week.

>  Euro and Yen under pressure, Dollar up, capping stocks Friday.

Fear Is Off The Table Again, Sending Stocks Higher Wednesday

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Thursday.  Could turn mixed.   Jobless new claims and Europe financial problems as well as earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Traders in control taking stocks back up after Europe appears to be helping, in some way, Greece's financial problems.  The major indexes posted a better than one percent gain on the session.   Thursday, February 11, 2010,  8:55  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:45p

>  Unemployment new claims takes large drop to 440,000 last week- see chart.

Europe List Of Worries Grows Capping U.S. Stock Market

Look for a neutral flat open.  Could turn mixed.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  The stock market is unable to get out of the up- down- bouncing around mode, as traders are now dealing with a growing list of European worries of more failed states.  In addition, Fed Chief Bernanke released a report of its Fed exit strategy that brings up concerns over the tightening of the Monetary Policy.  Stocks ended flat in negative territory with Futures pointing to a flat open Thursday.   Wednesday, February 10, 2010,  8:56  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:53p

>  Stocks flat on continued Europe concerns and Fed report.

Fears Wane Sending Stocks Ramping Up Tuesday

Look for a positive open Tuesday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Fear subsides sending stocks back up recovering yesterdays loss.  Unless there is a follow-on rally Wednesday, all this was Tuesday is a knee-jerk back from Mondays sell off.  The Forecast does indicate a trading range for the short-term.  Unless some major event can kick stocks up or down, models indicate a trading range for the near future.   Tuesday, February 9, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:47p

Fear Grips Traders Monday Sending Stocks Lower

Look for a neutral flat open Monday. Could turn negative.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Greece is the latest state to grasp traders fear as stocks slip in afternoon session to the lows of the day.   Monday, February 8, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:39p

Dramatic Reversal Friday As Stocks Move Off The Lows Into Positive Territory

Look for a mixed open.  Jobs payroll unemployment report and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  U.S. stock market makes a comeback after being down in triple digits Friday.  Next week, especially the early sessions, may give better evidence that this could be a bottom to the mini correction.  The NASDAQ led the comeback closing up near 3/4 percent with the broader market eking out a small gain.   Friday, February 5, 2010,  8:54  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:35p

>  Model data continues to suggest that we could go higher and end the 4-week correction- pullback. If Monday is at least neutral, we should see a Bias upgrade to neutral.

>  Unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent, much better than had been expected.

>  The economy lost another 20,000 jobs in January.

Stocks Plunge On Fear That The Economy Won't Recover As Quick And That Jobs Data Will Continue Negative

Look for a negative open Thursday.   Jobless new claims and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Traders pull the plug on Wall Street Thursday, selling nearly every stock at hand.  Prices plunge on recovery worries, specifically relating to Europe and U.S. job market.  The major indexes dropped 2 to 3 percent.  Barometer model data got dinged again with today's performance that could lead to a downgrade of the Forecast to negative.  A negative Forecast would mean the market could drop substantially from current levels.   Thursday, February 4, 2010,  9:01  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:41p

>  Model data indicates a slight chance that the stock market could go up from Thursdays big drop. Its not 100 percent but there is an indication in the data pointing to a bottom to this correction.

>  Jobless new claims increases to 480,000- chart.

Blue Chip And NASDAQ Stocks Mixed, Broader Market Off By 1/2 Percent

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   ADP jobs report and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Investors end two days of gains as selling pressure over jobs data came into play Wednesday.  Stocks, measured by the major indexes, ended mixed with the broader market retreating 1/2 percent.   Wednesday, February 3, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:25p

Housing And Earnings Get Two Positive Sessions In A Row

Look for a neutral flat open Tuesday. Could turn mixed.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Two in a row as investors add to yesterdays gain, ahead of the payroll jobs report Friday.  Barometer model metrics turning around, could see forecast upgrades if market performance continues positive.   Tuesday, February 2, 2010,  8:46  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:34p

Starting February Right With A One Plus Percent Gain On The Session

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Monday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Factory order data (ISM report) and consumer income and spending set the tone for today's advance, recovering some of the loss generated in January.   Monday, February 1, 2010,  8:48  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:50p

>  ISM reported the PMI at 58.4 percent for January. A PMI over 50 indicates economic expansion in manufacturing.

Tech Leads The Broader Market Lower Continuing The Sell Off

Look for a neutral-to-positive open for Friday.   GDP and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Selling continued Friday to end January in red ink as investors now look to February for better footing.  January sees red as the major indexes sink into negative territory, prompting the Forecast to be cut to caution.   Friday, January 29, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:49p Easter

>  GDP 5.7 in Q4, well above estimates, economy churning- chart.

Forecast Turns To Caution On Worsening Market Fundamentals

Look for a neutral-to-positive open.  Could open mixed.   Jobless new claims, Durable Goods report and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Mid afternoon model run is changing the Forecast to caution.  Stocks continue moving lower as investors are becoming more concerned over the economic recovery.   Thursday, January 28, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:54p Easter

>  Ben Bernanke to get confirmed Thursday for another term as Federal Reserve Chief, greatly relieving concerns for most marketeers.

>  Market Barometer Forecast gets downgraded to caution Thursday.

>  Jobless new claims disappoints, decreasing just 8,000 last week- chart.

Major Indexes Jump Around The Unchanged Line, Head Higher Into Positive Territory

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Wednesday.   Fed day and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Investors saw the market underwater for most of the session, but after the FOMC announced no change to monetary policy, shares headed higher to post a gain.   Wednesday, January 27, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:47p Easter

>  Thursday and Friday could be volatile if initial new claims and GDP data come in with unexpected results.

>  Fed FOMC keeps rates steady at 0-1/4 percent, statement virtually unchanged.

Stocks Were Unable To Hold Positive Territory Tuesday, Causing The Forecast Bias To Get Downgraded

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as the FOMC meeting and Bernanke confirmation hearing.  The pre close Barometer model changed the Forecast-Bias to negative.   Tuesday, January 26, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:38p Easter

>  U.S. markets could get real volatile with the Fed FOMC on deck for tomorrow, jobless new claims Thursday, Bernanke "hopeful" confirmation, and GDP report Friday- makes you want to raise cash.

>  A caution Forecast could be next. What does that really mean?

>  A disappointing session today, as confidence in the ability of stocks to advance is weakening, causing the forecast-bias to be downgraded.

Market Reverses A Three Day Sell Off, Gains Attributed To Bernanke Anti Foe Movement

Look for a positive open Monday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Bernanke confirmation opposition tempered.  Stocks end well off the high of the session, reversing last weeks big downturn.  Political wrangling continues as investors vote with each buy and sell on Bernanke uncertainty.   Monday, January 25, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:46p Easter

Another Sell Off As More Government Talk And Bernanke Uncertainty Builds Fear

Look for a neutral-to-negative open Friday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Afternoon model run has changed the BLI to negative.  Stocks, for a third day, fell as the Presidents plan to cap big banks continue to eat away at the markets and an additional fear that Bernanke will have trouble in confirmation took its toll on Wall Street.   Friday, January 22, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 6:02p Easter

>  Big losses this week, but don't panic, it might just be a correction. See chart.

>  Today's downgrade of the BLI indicates that the stock market has entered a period where, if not reversed within another several S&P 500 percentage points, could cause a direction change from a bullish rally mode to a more substantial bearish move lower.

>  Afternoon model-run changed the Leading Indicator to negative.

Market Sells Off On Threat Of Big Bank Capping

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.  Could turn positive.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start as well as initial jobless claims data.  S&P 500 survives the sell off, holds a slight gain for the year, Dow and NASDAQ give-up YTD gain.   Thursday, January 21, 2010,  9:28  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:38p Easter

>  Sneak peek at fresh model data -chart- shows we could be near a pullback. Click this link then click chart to launch advance model.

>  Tough two days for stocks, but chart shows little effect compared to the run-up of the March rally.

>  U.S. stocks under a little pressure from China's market, Government wrangling, and some believe overbought condition, primed the market for a fall with probably a follow-on threat Friday.

>  Stocks slammed again as nearly all the 2010 gain for the year have been reversed.

>  Jobless new claims move higher by 36,000 last week- chart.

Volatility Picks Up As Investors Dump Stocks Wednesday

Look for a negative open Wednesday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Shares end in a sell-off Wednesday but well off the lows of the session as investors fear of a stagnate economic recovery reasserts itself.  The DJIA and S&P 500 index were lower on the session by 1.1 percent, the NASDAQ was down by 1.3 percent.   Wednesday, January 20, 2010,  8:54  A.M. Eastern- updated 10:07p Easter

>  With today's sell off, the S&P 500 is back where it was 10-sessions ago.

>  GDP for China came in at 10.7 percent, slightly higher than most had expected.

Investors rally the stock market recovering Fridays loss

Look for a neutral flat open.  Could turn positive.   earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Stocks rally Tuesday sending stocks back up recovering all of Fridays loss and then some.   Tuesday, January 19, 2010,  8:54  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:22p Easter

>  Republican win in Massachusetts could add a measure of gridlock, inspiring the markets- Futures indicate a slight negative open.

>  Investors reverse Fridays loss, taking stocks back up.

>  IBM earnings beat, upbeat outlook but stock struggles in after hours.

Stocks down near 1 percent ahead of long holiday weekend

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Consumer price report and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  JP Morgan earnings miss scares investors to selling as the stock market gives up near 1 percent for the day and ends negative for the week.   Friday, January 15, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:21p Easter

>  U.S. markets closed for holiday. Will reopen Tuesday, normal schedule.

>  Both CPI index and core index rose 0.1 percent in December.

2010 Starts Strong With Gains Nearly Topping 3 Percent For The Broader Market

Look for a neutral to negative open Thursday.   Jobless new claims data and earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Even with a setback Tuesday, stocks continue to climb higher adding to the Y-T-D percentages which are approaching 3 percent.   Thursday, January 14, 2010,  8:54  A.M. Eastern- updated 10:38p Easter

>  New unemployment claims increase by 11,000 to 444,000- chart.

Market reverses direction Wednesday recovers yesterdays loss

Look for a neutral-to-positive open.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Trade deficit data and Bankers testifying before a Congressional special panel didn't phase traders Wednesday as a near steady climb higher for stocks recovering yesterdays Alcoa inspired sell off.   Wednesday, January 13, 2010,  8:54  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:42p Easter

Alcoa inspires selling as stocks drops on earnings concern

Look for a negative open Tuesday.   Alcoa earnings in focus for the start.  Alcoa's miss on earnings and other not so friendly news keeps stocks from advancing although the major indexes ended off the low of the session.   Tuesday, January 12, 2010,  8:52  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:39p Easter

>  Past 10 sessions we've had 3-positive, 3-negative, and the rest mixed. This indecision by investors and traders could cause a sell off, at this point.

>  Evening model run shows a possible downgrade of the BLI- the BLI is used to detect market-direction change. It will be important to see stocks do better over the next couple of sessions.

>  Alcoa pays for its earnings miss, down by 11 percent in the regular session.

Dow And The Broader Market Sees A Gain, Tech Lags Ahead Of Earning

Look for a neutral-to-positive open Monday.   Earnings/ outlook in focus for the start.  Alcoa started 4th. Quarter earnings with its report after the close.  Results were less than expected setting the stage for a possible problem in Tuesdays market.   Monday, January 11, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 9:39p Easter

>  Alcoa earnings disappoint, could cause trouble Tuesday.

Tech rallies, broader market ramps up at the close for a gain

Look for a neutral-to-negative open for Friday.   Jobs and unemployment-rate report in focus for the start.  Nice gain to start the year but mixed economical data could signal a tough but profitable year ahead.  Late session surge by the broader market sees a gain.   Friday, January 8, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:52p Easter

>  Unemployment rate holds 10 percent.

>  Corporations lost 85,000 jobs in December, more than had been expected.

>  Government payroll report showed November jobs revised up to a gain but December disappoint investors sending shares lower Friday morning.

Broader Market Eked Out A Small Gain Ahead Of Jobs Data

Look for a neutral-to-negative open.   Jobless new claims data and December retail sales data in focus for the start.  If payroll data can't break the market one way or the other then stocks could trade flat all year long, barring Fed intervention; almost another flat session Thursday but the broader market rose to end up with a nice gain while tech lagged. Thursday, January 7, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:56p Easter

>  Stock market is hoping for a positive jobs number or a very very small negative number.

>  Jobless new claims tick up- trend moves lower- chart.

Stocks On Two Day Stagnate Run As Marketeers Await Fresh Data And Earnings

Look for a neutral flat open.   Earnings season is in focus for the start.  Stocks go flat for the second session as the market gets ready for earnings next week and payroll/ jobs data tomorrow and Friday.   Wednesday, January 6, 2010,  8:53  A.M. Eastern- updated 4:50p Easter

>  Manufacturing expanded in December, but will jobs? Thursdays jobless new claims and Fridays payroll will get investors attention.

Stocks Go Mixed For Second Session Of New Year

Look for a neutral flat open Tuesday.  Investors rest from Mondays rally sending the market averages to close mixed.   Tuesday, January 5, 2010,  8:49  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:43p Easter

>  Pending home sales data and factory orders send mixed signal, sending shares to close mixed Tuesday after new year rally.

New Year Sees Rally, Inspired By Good Data And Intel Upgrade

Look for a positive open.  The afternoon model run has changed the Barometer Leading Indicator (BLI) back to neutral.  Intel and friendly economical data helped traders send stocks to rally Monday, the first trade of the year.   Monday, January 4, 2010,  9:07  A.M. Eastern- updated 5:53p Easter

>  Mid afternoon model run changed the Leading Indicator to neutral.