Since it's a quiet day in economic news, I think retail sales numbers are the big story out there today, and they seem to be a little disappointing, especially clothing store sales.
Growth going forward is becoming the big issue for stock investors. Things are still OK on the earnings front, but some companies are beginning to be more conservative with their guidance.
But there is going to be a little skittishness going into tomorrow.
Oracle, in terms of earnings, is influencing the market.
Things have slowed down, but it's still positive growth. We think they'll raise rates tomorrow, and one more time before year-end.
And we're still seeing profit taking in some of the higher-multiple names such Apple. Money is also flowing out of the energy sector once again as it has done throughout the week.
The risk is definitely on the inflation front and its implication for rates.
Productivity has been this huge issue for the market, and people remember Greenspan highlighting it in the 1990s.
Dell, in terms of the outlook number, (is) definitely pulling down not only that stock but technology in general.
Tech is once again leading the market; there's definitely money flowing into the sector. There's the belief that the corporate spending cycle is going to pick some steam.
Energy is trading off a bit, and I think that helps the other sectors in terms of it alleviates a cost for a lot of companies. Health care is doing well on the back of Bristol-Myers news, and also Boeing (is) getting another order.
There was a little concern over some of the comments made by one of the Fed presidents.
In general it's going to be that type of week where the number of the day dictates the market.
Inflation is once again confirmed to be not much of a concern and well under control outside of the energy sector. That's helpful. It takes a little bit of pressure off the possibility of the Fed going much beyond another two rate increases,
If the number had been too strong, people would translate into the fact that the Fed would have to raise rates over a longer period of time.
The consumer price index was not a bad number at all. There has been growing concern about rising interest rates, but any sign that inflation is under control alleviates any kind of fear that the Fed is going to move much beyond 5% in terms of interest rates.
The drop in productivity was larger than most people were expecting. It may become a factor in today's trading session.
The GDP figure was kind of a double-edged sword. It points to the fact that the economy is slower but that also takes pressure off of (interest) rates.
A healthy Japan is healthy for U.S. companies.
Economic growth has been modest but positive, but what does it mean in terms of Fed action? Too strong of data is almost going to be viewed as a negative, especially if it's showing an overheated economy.
There was nothing surprising in the speech. That opened the door for a late buying opportunity.
The market is really waiting for a little relief in terms of interest rates moving higher. Once we get that relief of the Fed being done, you'll see the market start to concentrate on fundamentals and the fact that we're still going to see pretty good earnings growth this year.
