Given the spike in oil during the third quarter, I think we're going to see higher oil costs in manufacturing companies and lower sales in consumer companies from oil squeezing out other purchases.
It is an oil day. Oil is over $68 now and that, combined with a very hawkish statement from the Fed, is weighing on the market. Energy prices at the gas pump are impacting consumer spending and its impact is reflected in AutoZone's earnings and Avon's profit warning.
There are some high-profile upgrades this morning, and Exxon Mobil and Intel are certainly helping the market. Adobe earnings, the current account number coming almost in line, and the moderation in oil prices will be a positive on the market.
Big positive surprise, especially in the face of the spike in oil prices in August.
Companies are beginning to tell the markets they are going to take a hit from both Katrina and higher oil prices. Demand for stocks in the short term may slow down.
The drop in oil prices is definitely positive for stocks. It takes some of the pressure off the markets, even if it is only for a short period of time.
The jump in oil prices lifted shares in the whole energy sector. And we also had very strong confidence numbers, which helped support the rest of the market.