The Bottom Line

In this holiday-shortened week, investors once again focused on corporate earnings announcements and global political tensions. Economic data should have been friendly news for equity investors most of the week but only managed to satisfy investors on Friday. The economy is clearly in a moderate growth recovery. The manufacturing sector is coming out of its nearly two-year slump. The consumer sector remains a major impetus behind growth as housing activity percolates.

Market players will have many economic indicators to monitor next week – including the all-important employment situation.