Stocks gave up early gains on Monday morning, led by declines in the Communication Services and Healthcare sectors, as investors awaited new data on inflation, consumer confidence, and GDP growth later in the week. On the earnings front, Carnival shares fell 11% after the cruise operator posted a narrower-than-expected fiscal 2Q loss but offered disappointing EPS guidance for the current quarter. The Dow, the S&P, and the Nasdaq were all down about 0.2%. Crude oil traded near $69 per barrel while gold rose $6 to $1936 per ounce.

For a third consecutive week, insider-sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research suggests that corporate executives, directors, and beneficial owners recognize the strong stock-price gains that have been logged since mid-March -- but now may believe that a pause or some consolidation is in order. Are those same sentiment signals suggesting a significant correction is just ahead? Not yet.

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Stocks fell on Friday morning after a better than expected July employment report raised prospects for continued aggressive Fed rate hikes. The Labor Department said that the U.S. economy added 528,000 nonfarm payroll jobs last month, up from a revised 398,000 in June and well above the consensus forecast of 250,000. The official unemployment rate ticked down to 3.5%, below the consensus of 3.6%. Wage growth was higher than expected. Average hourly earnings rose 0.5% from the prior month and 5.2% from the prior year, both above consensus estimates. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P 0.6%, and the Nasdaq 1.1%. Crude oil rose more than 2% to $90.50 per barrel, while gold fell $15 to $1792 per ounce.

Insider sentiment remains broadly bullish, with every sell/buy ratio from Vickers (10 in total) currently bullish. With stocks finally popping last week -- but in particular on Friday -- it will be of great interest to see if insiders stay in the game this week or pull back. A pull back, if it is to occur, might support the not-uncommon theory that the past week is simply indicative of a bear-market rally.

Stocks fell on Thursday as Russia continued to attack northern Ukraine and threatened to cut off gas sales to Europe unless it is paid in rubles. The Biden administration also announced that it would release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the U.S. strategic reserve. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 202,000 for the week ended March 26, up from 188,000 a week earlier and above the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 196,000. The data came ahead of the government's March employment report on Friday morning. The consensus calls for the addition of 490,000 new payroll jobs after an increase of 678,000 in February, and a slight decrease in the unemployment rate to 3.7%. The Dow fell 1.56%, the S&P 1.57%, and the Nasdaq 1.54%. Crude oil traded near $101 per barrel, while gold rose slightly to $1941 per ounce.

Stocks fell again on Tuesday morning, with the sharpest declines in the Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Purchasing managers' data from IHS Markit was mixed. The Services PMI fell to 57.0 in November from 58.7 in October and came in below the Bloomberg consensus of 59.0. At the same time, the Manufacturing PMI rose to 59.1, up from 58.4 in October and in line with consensus expectations. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P 0.6%, and the Nasdaq 1.3%. Crude oil traded near $78 per barrel, while gold fell $21 to $1785 per ounce.

Stocks fell on Monday morning amid geopolitical concerns and weaker-than-expected Chinese economic data. The Chinese National Bureau of Statistics said that industrial production expanded at a 6.4% rate in July, down from 8.3% in June and below the Reuters consensus forecast of 7.8% growth. Retail sales growth of 8.5% was also down from 12.1% in June and below the consensus estimate. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P 0.4%, and the Nasdaq 0.9%. Crude oil fell nearly 3% to $66.50 per barrel, while gold traded near $1788 per ounce.

Volatility reigned last week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average seeing four days with changes in excess of 350 points. Not surprisingly, the VIX Volatility Index logged some miles as well, starting the week at 17.34, hitting a mid-week high of 28.93, and ending the week back down at 18.81. When that type of wild day-to-day action occurs, finding solid ground in short-term indicators can be difficult. So at times like these, we favor a review of long-term gauges.

Last week, we noted that insider-sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research turned benign after two weeks of intensely bearish readings. During those two dark weeks, the big financial-press headlines (though certainly not the only headlines) focused on the GameStop short squeeze and fears of a broader market meltdown. Trading action saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average fall to a weekly close of 29,982 from 31,097 only a few weeks earlier.

Stocks rose on Monday morning on more positive vaccine news after AstraZeneca reported that its coronavirus vaccine candidate, developed with the University of Oxford, was 70.4% effective in preventing infection in late-stage trials. The vaccine may have even higher efficacy under a different dosing regimen and also has less stringent storage requirements than those developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. On the economic front, IHS Markit reported stronger-than-expected readings in both its manufacturing and services indices for October. The Dow rose 0.7%, the S&P 0.4%, and the Nasdaq 0.1%. Crude oil rose nearly 1% to $43 per barrel, while gold dropped 2% to $1834 per ounce.

Stocks recovered from morning losses on Thursday afternoon, but then gave back most of their gains by the end of the day. The volatile trading reflected continued concerns about rising coronavirus cases and the uncertain economic outlook, as Fed officials reiterated their calls for new fiscal stimulus measures from Congress. First-time unemployment claims rose slightly from the prior week to 870,000 and topped the consensus forecast of 840,000. Continuing claims, reported with a one-week lag, fell to 12.580 million from 12.747 million a week earlier, but also topped the consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.20%, the S&P 0.30%, and the Nasdaq 0.37%. Crude oil rose slightly to about $40 per barrel, while gold rose $4 to $1872 per ounce.

Stocks recovered from morning losses on Thursday afternoon, but then gave back most of their gains by the end of the day. The volatile trading reflected continued concerns about rising coronavirus cases and the uncertain economic outlook, as Fed officials reiterated their calls for new fiscal stimulus measures from Congress. First-time unemployment claims rose slightly from the prior week to 870,000 and topped the consensus forecast of 840,000. Continuing claims, reported with a one-week lag, fell to 12.580 million from 12.747 million a week earlier, but also topped the consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.20%, the S&P 0.30%, and the Nasdaq 0.37%. Crude oil rose slightly to about $40 per barrel, while gold rose $4 to $1872 per ounce.

Two weeks ago, we saw a surprisingly bullish pop in sentiment from corporate executives, directors and beneficial owners. It faded a tad last week and has further dissipated this week. Current insider-transaction data from Vickers Stock Research reflects a neutral-to-cautious attitude. We view that as normal after the very quick snapback in share prices since the last bottom in late March.

Two weeks ago, we saw a surprisingly bullish pop in sentiment from corporate executives, directors and beneficial owners. It faded a tad last week and has further dissipated this week. Current insider-transaction data from Vickers Stock Research reflects a neutral-to-cautious attitude. We view that as normal after the very quick snapback in share prices since the last bottom in late March.

We'll start our weekly analysis of insider sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research by getting the headline out of the way. There is nothing in current insider sentiment that we feel is cause for alarm. Indeed, our word of the week (it was 'benign' last week) is stable. Yes, sentiment is stable -- but that's not to say that there aren't a few details to pondered.

We'll start our weekly analysis of insider sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research by getting the headline out of the way. There is nothing in current insider sentiment that we feel is cause for alarm. Indeed, our word of the week (it was 'benign' last week) is stable. Yes, sentiment is stable -- but that's not to say that there aren't a few details to pondered.

Stocks recovered from morning losses on Thursday afternoon, but then gave back most of their gains by the end of the day. The volatile trading reflected continued concerns about rising coronavirus cases and the uncertain economic outlook, as Fed officials reiterated their calls for new fiscal stimulus measures from Congress. First-time unemployment claims rose slightly from the prior week to 870,000 and topped the consensus forecast of 840,000. Continuing claims, reported with a one-week lag, fell to 12.580 million from 12.747 million a week earlier, but also topped the consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.20%, the S&P 0.30%, and the Nasdaq 0.37%. Crude oil rose slightly to about $40 per barrel, while gold rose $4 to $1872 per ounce.

Two weeks ago, we saw a surprisingly bullish pop in sentiment from corporate executives, directors and beneficial owners. It faded a tad last week and has further dissipated this week. Current insider-transaction data from Vickers Stock Research reflects a neutral-to-cautious attitude. We view that as normal after the very quick snapback in share prices since the last bottom in late March.

Based on end-of-November data, the 4Q19 stock market is playing out like fourth-quarter markets usually do, with economically sensitive sectors mainly in the lead. But we are also seeing a catch-up move from a sector that lagged early in the year.

Based on end-of-November data, the 4Q19 stock market is playing out like fourth-quarter markets usually do, with economically sensitive sectors mainly in the lead. But we are also seeing a catch-up move from a sector that lagged early in the year.

We'll start our weekly analysis of insider sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research by getting the headline out of the way. There is nothing in current insider sentiment that we feel is cause for alarm. Indeed, our word of the week (it was 'benign' last week) is stable. Yes, sentiment is stable -- but that's not to say that there aren't a few details to pondered.

The major indices continued to fall on Monday amid deepening trade war concerns, led by the Energy, Financial and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Investors responded negatively to reports of a CBS-Viacom merger, sending the shares of both companies down in morning trading. On the positive side, Amgen rose 5% after the company won a legal case against Novartis that upheld the AMGN patents on rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel. The Dow fell 1.1%, the S&P 0.9%, and the Nasdaq 0.8%. Crude oil rose slightly to $54.50 per barrel, while gold rose $8 to trade near $1516 per ounce.

The major indices continued to fall on Monday amid deepening trade war concerns, led by the Energy, Financial and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Investors responded negatively to reports of a CBS-Viacom merger, sending the shares of both companies down in morning trading. On the positive side, Amgen rose 5% after the company won a legal case against Novartis that upheld the AMGN patents on rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel. The Dow fell 1.1%, the S&P 0.9%, and the Nasdaq 0.8%. Crude oil rose slightly to $54.50 per barrel, while gold rose $8 to trade near $1516 per ounce.

Stocks closed higher on Friday, rebounding from steep morning losses on news reports of progress on a trade deal with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 472 points from its morning low to end 114 points higher (a rise of 0.44% for the day), with the S&P 500 rising 0.37% and the Nasdaq Composite adding 0.80%. The week was characterized by high volatility, with investors reacting to signs of perceived progress or setback on China trade talks. Friday's modest rebound, however, was unable to overcome a string of four negative trading sessions going into Friday. For the week, the DJIA lost 2.1%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined 2.2% and 3.0%, respectively. Year-to-date gains were trimmed to 11.2% for the DJIA, 19.3% for the Nasdaq and 14.9% for the S&P 500.

Stocks closed higher on Friday, rebounding from steep morning losses on news reports of progress on a trade deal with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 472 points from its morning low to end 114 points higher (a rise of 0.44% for the day), with the S&P 500 rising 0.37% and the Nasdaq Composite adding 0.80%. The week was characterized by high volatility, with investors reacting to signs of perceived progress or setback on China trade talks. Friday's modest rebound, however, was unable to overcome a string of four negative trading sessions going into Friday. For the week, the DJIA lost 2.1%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined 2.2% and 3.0%, respectively. Year-to-date gains were trimmed to 11.2% for the DJIA, 19.3% for the Nasdaq and 14.9% for the S&P 500.

Stocks fell sharply on Thursday morning after CNBC reported that an expected meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was unlikely to take place before the two countries' trade deal deadline on March 1. In M&A news, BB&T and SunTrust agreed to combine in the largest bank merger since the financial crisis. The Dow fell 1.3%, the S&P 1.4%, and the Nasdaq 1.6%. Crude oil fell $2 to about $52 per barrel, while gold traded near $1314 per ounce.

Stocks fell sharply on Thursday morning after CNBC reported that an expected meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was unlikely to take place before the two countries' trade deal deadline on March 1. In M&A news, BB&T and SunTrust agreed to combine in the largest bank merger since the financial crisis. The Dow fell 1.3%, the S&P 1.4%, and the Nasdaq 1.6%. Crude oil fell $2 to about $52 per barrel, while gold traded near $1314 per ounce.

The major indices continued to fall on Monday amid deepening trade war concerns, led by the Energy, Financial and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Investors responded negatively to reports of a CBS-Viacom merger, sending the shares of both companies down in morning trading. On the positive side, Amgen rose 5% after the company won a legal case against Novartis that upheld the AMGN patents on rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel. The Dow fell 1.1%, the S&P 0.9%, and the Nasdaq 0.8%. Crude oil rose slightly to $54.50 per barrel, while gold rose $8 to trade near $1516 per ounce.

Stocks closed higher on Friday, rebounding from steep morning losses on news reports of progress on a trade deal with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 472 points from its morning low to end 114 points higher (a rise of 0.44% for the day), with the S&P 500 rising 0.37% and the Nasdaq Composite adding 0.80%. The week was characterized by high volatility, with investors reacting to signs of perceived progress or setback on China trade talks. Friday's modest rebound, however, was unable to overcome a string of four negative trading sessions going into Friday. For the week, the DJIA lost 2.1%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined 2.2% and 3.0%, respectively. Year-to-date gains were trimmed to 11.2% for the DJIA, 19.3% for the Nasdaq and 14.9% for the S&P 500.

Stocks fell sharply on Thursday morning after CNBC reported that an expected meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was unlikely to take place before the two countries' trade deal deadline on March 1. In M&A news, BB&T and SunTrust agreed to combine in the largest bank merger since the financial crisis. The Dow fell 1.3%, the S&P 1.4%, and the Nasdaq 1.6%. Crude oil fell $2 to about $52 per barrel, while gold traded near $1314 per ounce.

Stocks were little changed on Friday morning amid uncertainty about the outcome of the weekend summit meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. As usual, investors will be looking for a de-escalation of tensions, and signs of progress in ending the two countries' trade dispute. The S&P rose 0.2%, the Dow fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%. Crude oil fell more than 2% to $50 per barrel, while gold fell $8 to $1223 per ounce.

Stocks were little changed on Friday morning amid uncertainty about the outcome of the weekend summit meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. As usual, investors will be looking for a de-escalation of tensions, and signs of progress in ending the two countries' trade dispute. The S&P rose 0.2%, the Dow fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%. Crude oil fell more than 2% to $50 per barrel, while gold fell $8 to $1223 per ounce.

Based on end-of-November data, the 4Q19 stock market is playing out like fourth-quarter markets usually do, with economically sensitive sectors mainly in the lead. But we are also seeing a catch-up move from a sector that lagged early in the year.

Stocks were little changed on Friday morning amid uncertainty about the outcome of the weekend summit meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. As usual, investors will be looking for a de-escalation of tensions, and signs of progress in ending the two countries' trade dispute. The S&P rose 0.2%, the Dow fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%. Crude oil fell more than 2% to $50 per barrel, while gold fell $8 to $1223 per ounce.