After a wild, huge volume day on Friday, the markets returned to “normal”. The volatility of Friday has been sucked out, volume dry and the drama ancient history. The Middle East and Northern Africa continues to be caught up in riots and protests but the U.S. markets seem to be shrugging it off as key stocks lead the market higher and the Dollar drops. Currently, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE:SPY) is trading at $128.25, +0.53 (+0.41%).
It continues to be amazing to watch this market be controlled. So quickly the sellers vanish and the light volume allows for the market to float higher. Earnings from Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) helped as they beat on revenue and earnings per share. The one small hiccup was their tax rate, which came in much lower than expected, increasing earnings per share. However, the stock is trading nicely higher today at $79.77, +0.78 (+0.99%).
After a strong Dollar move on Friday, it has fallen back sharply. The Dollar was up on Friday as scared investors ran to it because of the problems in Egypt. As said earlier, that is a distant memory and as the Dollar drops, the markets float higher. The PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish (NYSE:UUP) is trading at $22.36, -0.13 (-0.58%).
The markets await major news later this week on jobs. The Unemployment Rate and Non Farm Payrolls will be reported on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at 8:30am ET. This will be something the markets will look to for direction.
While things are quiet today, smart investors and traders must be constantly watching Egypt and the whole region. Egypt is key because they control the Suez Canal. This is a major shipping route for the whole region and much of the world. Should things get dramatically worse, fear would boil over again and cause the Dollar to spike, sending the markets down again. Longs or shorts are available in this market. However, to do this right, each trader or investor must truly understand the chart dynamics.
Gareth Soloway
InTheMoneyStocks.com
