Nasdaq Retreats; Other Major Averages Advance

Stocks remain strong as investors digested the latest round of economic data. The benchmark S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, NYSE composite, mid-cap S&P 400, small-cap Russell 2000 and small-cap S&P 600 indices all enjoyed fresh recovery closing highs! The current rally is in its 44th week (since the March 12, 2009 follow-through day) and on all accounts still looks very strong. In addition, most bull markets last for approximately 36 months, so the fact that we are beginning our 10th month suggests we have more room to go. December’s jobs report will likely set the stage for the next near term move for the major averages but until support is broken (50 DMA lines for the major averages), this rally deserves the bullish benefit of the doubt.

Stocks End Mixed on Mixed Economic Data

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Market Commentary: The major averages closed mixed after spending most of the session in the red as investors digested the latest round of mixed economic data. Volume, an important indicator of institutional sponsorship, was reported higher than Monday’s totals which indicated large institutions were not aggressively dumping stocks. Advancers led decliners…

Stocks Surge On First Trading Day of 2010

Monday, January 04, 2010 Market Commentary: The major averages rallied on the first trading day of 2010 as the US dollar fell and healthy economic data was released from the US and China. As expected, volume, an important indicator of institutional sponsorship, was reported higher than Thursday’s pre-holiday totals which indicated large institutions were buying…