Major averages finished mixed on Thursday amid a number of economic reports which traders seemed to largely ignore. It is all technical right no w as the street is at or near 17 month highs. The blue chips advanced for the 8th straight session, gaining 45.5 points, or 0.4%, to 10,779.17. The S&P 500 Index was pretty much flat as the broader market lost 0.38 point, or 0.03%, to 1,165.83, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ended up 2.19 points, or 0.1%, at 2,391.28 points.

Morning Outlook

Wow so Friday is here! What another hot week its been in chat , and today should be pretty hot on the street as well. Although there is no economic data to influence trading, it is the 3rd Friday of the last month of the quarter, aka some serious quadruple witching action! We will see expiration in stock index futures, stock index options, stock options and single stock futures.

With people unwinding from these contracts as they expire, we should see some lovely volatility. We should also see more volume on the exchange than we have been seeing, which has been extremely light to say the least.

With a good amount of time before the opening bell, futures are trading mixed and in a pretty narrow range. So far in premarket action, Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 6 points, or 0.1 percent, at 10,723. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures are up 0.8, or 0.1 percent, at 1,162.10, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are down 0.25, or less than 0.1 percent, at 1,941.50

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar rose 0.0929% at 90.471 yen in the currency market. The greenback is higher for the second day against the euro for a second day amid speculation that Greece may fail to secure financial assistance from the European Union. The euro depreciated 0.2673% to $1.3572 while the pound lost 0.7124% to $1.5136. Gold dropped $4.90 to $1122.60 an ounce, while silver lost 0.67% at $17.30. Light, sweet crude for April delivery fell 47 cents to $81.73 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.57% decline.

Morning Outlook

Futures are heading slightly lower in the premarket ahead of a host of economic data, including weekly jobless claims and CPI data to follow up yesterday’s PPI number. Stocks come into the session sitting at fresh 17 month highs and will look to further extend those gains. Dow Jones industrial average futures fell 1, or less than 0.1 percent, to 10,662. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures fell 1.60, or 0.1 percent, to 1,159.40, while Nasdaq 100 index futures fell 3.00, or 0.2 percent, to 1,931.00. The dollar is higher against foreign currencies, namely the euro as concern overseas still remains over the prospects of a Greece bailout.

On Wednesday, the DJIA added 47.69 points, or 0.5%, to 10,733.67, as 24 of 30 blue chips were positive on the session. Energy and financials led the S&P to advanced for the 3rd straight day, adding 6.75 points, or 0.6%, to 1,166.21. The tech heavy Nasdaq Composite Index rose 11.08 points, or 0.5%, to 2,389.09.

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar fell 0.0930% at 90.221 yen in the currency market. The euro depreciated 0.4877% to $1.3671 while the pound lost 0.3458% to $1.5272. Gold rose $1.40 to $1125.60 an ounce, while silver lost 0.19% at $17.49. Light, sweet crude fell 62 cents to $82.31 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.75% decline.

Economic Calendar

8:30 AM
Consumer Price Index (CPI): Measure of the average price level of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by consumers. Monthly changes in the CPI represent the rate of inflation. The consensus is for a 0.1% increase in February, with a 0.1% gain excluding food and energy. This follows a 0.2% rise in January and could come in on the low end following this weeks number.

8:30 AM
Jobless Claims: New unemployment claims for the week of March 13th , to show the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time. The fewer people filing for unemployment benefits, the more have jobs, the more income in the consumer’s pocket, as well as a forecast on the strength of the economy. The consensus is for an increase of 455,000 for first time jobless claims after falling only 6,000 to 462,000 and driving up the four-week average by 5,000 to 475,500 for the highest level since November. The weekly number has remained stubbornly and persistently high.

10:00 AM
Leading Indicators: A composite index of ten economic indicators that should lead overall economic activity. The consensus is for an increase of 0.2% for the month of February, which would be the lowest reading in nearly 5 months. This follows an increase of 30 basis points in January.

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Morning Outlook

It looks to be a green open to the street today, how fitting considering it is St. Patty’s day! Not much on the news front following yesterday’s FOMC statement, while stocks sit at fresh 17 month highs. As the street absorbs that, we will get PPI data later in the premarket. So far in futures trading, Dow Jones industrial average futures gained 37 points, or 0.4 percent, to 10,661. The blue chips have advanced for 6 straight sessions are going for number lucky number 7. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures are up 4.20, or 0.4 percent, to 1,159.00, while Nasdaq 100 index futures rose 4.00, or 0.2 percent, to 1,932.50.

Stocks finished strong into the closing bell yesterday, with major averages advancing across the board following the conclusion of the fed’s March meeting. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 43.83 points, or 0.41 percent, to end at 10,685.98. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 8.95 points, or 0.78 percent, to finish at 1,159.46. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 15.80 points, or 0.67 percent, to close at 2,378.01.

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar rose 0.2021% at 90.49 yen in the currency market. The euro appreciated 0.154% to $1.3787 while the pound gained 0.6659% to $1.5344. Commmodities and raw materials made their way higher as the greenback fell. Gold rose $9.20 to $1131.70 an ounce, while silver surged 1.22% at $17.56. Light, sweet crude rose 64 cents to $82.34 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.78% gain.

Economic Calendar

8:30 AM
Producer Price Index: The PPI is a measure of the average price level for a fixed basket of capital and consumer goods received by producers. This is a great indicator of the future CPI as producers will eventually pass the costs onto the consumer. The consensus for the month of February is for a decrease of 0.2%, with a 0.1% increase excluding food and energy. Headline PPI jumped 1.4% in January on higher energy and food costs.

Major averages reversed course from mid day lows on Monday to finish the session mixed. The DJIA advanced 17.46 points, or 0.16 percent, to 10,642.15. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 0.52 point, or 0.05 percent, to 1,150.51. Tech was weak in trading as Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 5.45 points, or 0.23 percent, to 2,362.21.

Morning Outlook

All eyes are on the Fed today as they release their statement from the concluding March meeting. Target rates will stay the same, but comments on housing, economic growth, and the duration of prolonged low interest rates will alongside other keywords will be looked for. But that isnt until the afternoon. This premarket we will get some groundbreaking data for housing, which hopefully will show signs of life. So far in futures action, equities in the U.S are reversing earlier losses to turn green. Blue chip futures are up 17 points to 10,593, looking to extend 5 consecutive advances. S&P futures inched up 2 to 1,147.70, while the Nasdaq is up 2.75 points to 1,919.75.

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar rose 0.0055% at 90.53 yen in the currency market. The euro appreciated 0.034% to $1.3681 while the pound lost 0.01% to $1.5056. Gold rose $6.80 to $1112.20 an ounce, while silver ticked up 0.98% at $17.25. Light, sweet crude for April delivery fell 24 cents to $78.56 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.30% decline

Economic Calendar

8:30 AM
Housing Starts: Measures initial construction of residential units for the month of February. Housing construction impacts so many other segments of the economy, from consumer spending on appliances and material to labor. The consensus figure is 565,000 units, down from 591,000 in January, a rise of 2.8%. Year over year the January number was up 21.1%, however the overall data on the housing market has decreased significantly since last fall. Looks like there was a rush of demand to meet the original tax credit deadline, and even though that was extended, there are just too few buyers out there with 10 percent unemployment and tough credit standards.

Morning Outlook

Stocks are pointing to a lower open Monday following slight gains last week. What is the deal with turning the clocks forward this past weekend, honestly I have one eye open right now and I don’t see strong prospects of me functioning at any reasonable level today!

Be that as it may, a stronger greenback isn’t helping much as Dow Jones industrial average futures are 21, or 0.2 percent, to 10,552. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures lost 3.20, or 0.3 percent, to 1,143.40, while Nasdaq 100 index futures fell 4.50, or 0.2 percent, to 1,919.75. The Empire State Manufacturing data comes out in the premarket alongside Industrial Production and Housing later in the morning.

On the Corporate Front

PepsiCo Inc (PEP) announced that it will buy back up to $15 billion worth of its own common stock through June 2013, up from the previously announced $4.4 billion. PEP also raised its quarterly dividend by a nice 7 percent.

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar rose 0.1524% at 90.696 yen in the currency market. The euro depreciated 0.4303% to $1.3710 while the pound lost 1.0941% to $1.5038. Gold gained despite the strong dollar which makes it look like a safety play, up $4.30 to $1106 an ounce, while silver dropped 0.13% at $17.02. Light, sweet crude for April delivery fell $0.61 to $80.63 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.75% decline following Friday’s test at new highs.

Economic Calendar

9:15 AM
Industrial Production: The index of industrial production measures the physical output of the nation’s factories, mines and utilities. The consensus is for no change for the month of February after advancing 0.9% to start the year.

1:00 PM
Housing Market Index: Based on a survey in which respondents from The National Association of Home Builders. Thoughts and feeling over the general economy and housing market conditions weigh into an index that rates the different factors of the housing market.

Housing needs to kick it back into gear after showing promise over this past fall.

Morning Outlook

Futures rose slightly on Wall Street Friday following a nice red to green reversal into the close yesterday. Traders await further economic data this morning to help push these major averages past 15 month highs, Retail sales, consumer sentiment and business inventories all major components of GDP will give the market further direction. The strong late buying Thursday is a good indication of where the market wants to go. So far in futures trading, Dow Jones industrial average futures gained 13, or 0.1 percent, to 10,631. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures rose 1.60, or 0.2 percent, to 1,147.50, while Nasdaq 100 index futures edged up 2.00, or 0.1 percent, to 1,924.50.

The weak dollar is helping energy and other mining/raw material sectors, which could give the market a leg up as financials have led the rally this week. On Thursday, the blue chips rose 44.51, or 0.4 percent, to 10,611.84. The S&P 500 index advanced 4.63, or 0.4 percent, to 1,150.24, while the Nasdaq advanced for the 6th consecutive session, rising 9.51, or 0.4 percent, to 2,368.46

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar fell 0.0751% at 90.441 yen in the currency market. The euro appreciated 0.6629% to $1.3772 while the pound gained 0.6865% to $1.5165. Gold climbed $8.20 to $1116.40 an ounce, while silver advanced 0.82% at $17.30. Light, sweet crude for April delivery rose 57 cents to $82.68 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.69% move up following the weaker greenback and increased OPEC demand forecast.

Economic Calendar

8:30 AM
Retail Sales: measure the total receipts at stores that sell durable and nondurable goods. Consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of GDP and is therefore a key element in economic growth. The consensus is for a 0.2% decrease in the month of February despite better than expected same store sales data. That figure is down from an increase of 0.5% in January. The consensus range falls as low as -0.8%. and upwards of 0.3%.

9:55 AM
Consumer Sentiment: Consumer sentiment is directly related to the strength of consumer spending, by questioning 500 households each month on their financial conditions and attitudes about the economy. The consensus reading for March is 74, up from the prior reading of 73.6 for February. Trending higher jobless claims and rising energy costs are likely to depress the reading for the time being.

10:00 AM
Business Inventories: The dollar amount of inventories held by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The consensus is for a gain in January of 0.2%. In December, inventories fell by 0.2%.; led by a 0.8% drop in wholesale inventories.

Financials and tech led major averages higher on Tuesday, and as a result the Dow was the worst performer considering the composit of the 30 stocks. The blue chips rose 2.95, or less than 0.1 percent, to 10,567.33, while the S&P 500 index gained 5.16, or 0.5 percent, to 1,145.61. The tech heavy Nasdaq climbed 18.27, or 0.8 percent, to 2,358.95.

Morning Outlook

Futures are heading slightly lower in the premarket Thursday as the street awaits trade and jobless claims data. With the reports due to roll out in about half an hour, Dow Jones industrial average futures fell 18 points, or 0.2 percent, to 10,547. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures declined 3.40, or 0.3 percent, to 1,142.30, while Nasdaq 100 index futures lost 1.25, or 0.1 percent, to 1,917.50.

We would love to see a really good number on the claims front, something to shock the market and give a sense that jobs are being created. The trade figures could move the dollar, but at the same time spot the jobless claims are the bigger deal .

Currencies and Commodities

The dollar rose 0.1489% at 90.65 yen in the currency market. The euro appreciated 0.015% to $1.366 while the pound gained 0.4473% to $1.5044. Gold fell $1.60 to $1106.50 an ounce, while silver lost 26 basis points at $16.97. Light, sweet crude for April delivery was hovering around flat at $82 per barrel.

Economic Calendar

8:30 AM
International Trade: Measures the difference between imports and exports of both tangible goods and services. Imports may act as a drag on domestic growth and they may also increase competitive pressures on domestic producers. Exports boost domestic production. We have had huge trade deficits in recent years, with foreign countries able to produce goods cheaper. The trade gap is expected to widen to $41 billion in January to after rising nearly $ 4 billion to $40.2 billion in December on increased petroleum imports. Exports have risen for 8 consecutive months.

8:30 AM
Jobless Claims: New unemployment claims for the week of March 6th , to show the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time. The fewer people filing for unemployment benefits, the more have jobs, the more income in the consumer’s pocket, as well as a forecast on the strength of the economy. The consensus is for an increase of 460,000 for first time jobless claims, down from last week’s reading of 469,000. Following last weeks 29,000 decline, the four week average fell 3,500 to 470,750.

Major averages finished mixed on Monday on low volume and little volatility. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 13.68, or 0.1 percent, to 10,552.52. The Standard & Poor’s 500 ended its 6 session winning streak after closing down 0.20, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,138.50. Tech led the Nasdaq to its highest levels since the fall of Lehman Brothers, rising 5.86, or 0.3 percent, to 2,332.21. Small caps performed nicely as the Russell 2000 gained 1.09, or 0.2 percent, to 667.11.

Morning Outlook

Wow, what another quiet day on the street. Futures are heading lower in premarket trading, but if you consider where we are versus one year ago we aren’t doing too bad! Today is March 9th, which happens to be the anniversary of March 9th, 2009 when the market closed at its lowest point during this Great Recession. Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 35 points, or 0.3 percent, to 10,503. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures fell 5.20, or 0.5 percent, to 1,131.90, while Nasdaq 100 index futures dropped 7.25, or 0.4 percent, to 1,881.00.

No economic news to speak of, but Greece will be pitching its case to the U.S. Please for the love of god Obama Administration stay away from this! I am putting my stake in the ground, if the U.S. does anything to help Greece by providing any financial backing, I will join the Tea Party movement. Who knows, I could be Palin’s right hand man, not a bad spot to be!

So come join us today in our live stock chat , where every day is a winner! Membership is at all time highs, its on fire, come and see why!

Currencies and Commodities

The greenback is showing strength once again, which probably isn’t helping the cause for equities this morning. The dollar fell 0.6018% at 89.765 yen in the currency market. The euro depreciated 0.5059% to $1.3565 while the pound lost 0.5990% to $1.4976. Gold fell $5.70 to $1118.30 an ounce, while silver tanked 1.11% at $17.08. Crude for April delivery dropped off of its yearly high, losing $1.40 to $80.47 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 1.71% decline

Markets were on fire last week as averages turned positive for 2010 amid a host of economic data. At the closing bell Friday, the blue chips gained 122.06 points, or 1.2 percent, to 10,566.20. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index advanced 15.73, or 1.4 percent, to 1,138.70. The Nasdaq composite index added 34.04, or 1.5 percent, to 2,326.35.The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 13.55, or 2.1 percent, to 666.02.

Morning Outlook

The broader market will put its six day winning streak on the line Monday, as futures are narrowly mixed in premarket action. Futures have steadily risen throughout the morning following losses slight losses in Europe.  Dow Jones industrial average futures gained 19 points, or 0.2 percent, to 10,564. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures rose 1.90, or 0.2 percent, to 1,138.40, while Nasdaq 100 index futures rose 1.75, or 0.1 percent, to 1,887.25.While the street will get data on inventories, retail sales and consumer sentiment in the second half of the week, the economic calendar is crystal clear today.

The wheeling and dealing continues as AIG looks to sell off profitable units to repay TARP funds. In a deal that was being discussed last month, MetLife Inc (MET) bought AIG unit Alico for a cool $15.5 billion. This wasn’t as much of a surprise as the Prudential PLC deal was last week so the market is reacting accordingly.

Currencies and Commodities

Once again a lower greenback is utting upward pressure on commodity and raw material prices, while crude is looking to push through its top resistance and climb past $82 per barrel. The dollar rose 0.0654% at 90.337 yen in the currency market. The euro appreciated 0.2695% to $1.3662 while the pound gained 0.0315% to $1.5142. Gold rose $1.10 to $1136.30 an ounce, while silver climbed 0.25% at $17.42. Crude for April delivery climbed 39 cents to $81.89 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.48% advance

What an exciting way to round out the week on the street. Hands over fist profits in chat , and the most watched figure in the American economy!

Morning Outlook

Stocks late day rally yesterday looks to continue as futures point higher in the premarket. Eyes around the globe are focused on the jobs number here in the U.S., which will release the February numbers in the premarket. Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 28, or 0.3 percent, to 10,459. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures rose 4.00, or 0.4 percent, to 1,126.30, while Nasdaq 100 index futures gained 3.25, or 0.2 percent, to 1,863.00. It looks like the economy has cover for this month, with the snow causing a lot of variation in the data, so a bad number has a reason, and a good number is, well, good for the strength of the economy as we head into the spring.

Currencies and Commodities

The greenback is making its way lower in the premarket ahead of the jobs number, putting upward pressure on commodity prices. Looks for the dollar to rally on better than expected data. The dollar rose 0.4044% at 89.38 yen in the currency market. The euro depreciated 0.0144% to $1.3582 while the pound gained 0.1111% to $1.5049. Gold rose $2.90 to $1136 an ounce, while silver climbed 0.84% at $17.32. Crude for April delivery climbed 46 cents to $80.67 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 0.57% advance

Economic Calendar

8:30 AM
Employment Situation: The employment situation is a set of labor market indicators. The unemployment rate measures the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labor force. Nonfarm payroll employment counts the number of paid employees working part-time or full-time in the nation’s business and government establishments. The average workweek reflects the number of hours worked in the nonfarm sector. Average hourly earnings reveal the basic hourly rate for major industries as indicated in nonfarm payrolls. Analysts expect 50,000 jobs to have been cut in February, while the unemployment rate rises from 9.7% to 9.8%.

In other leading indicators for future hiring, the average hourly wages are expected to increase by 0.2%, while the workweek is expected to drop from 33.9 to 33.6 hours.

3:00 PM
Consumer Credit: Measures the value of consumer credit outstanding. Changes in consumer credit indicate the state of the consumer’s finances and can forecast their future spending patterns. This will be an interesting figure to see, with over 9% of American homeowners behind on their mortgage payments or in foreclosure, it’s only a matter of time before credit is defaulted upon. The consensus for January is a decline of $4 billion, however the range goes as low as $-10 billion. Credit fell $1.8 billion in December.