My Market Outlook

Economic Reports – There were seem many traders out there looking for additional signs of economic weakness. The weakness that may appear in the housing sector which may flow thru to the rest of the economy.

Interest Rates – We had a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcement on interest rates last week, Other than watching to see if the FOMC made any new earth-shattering comments the market is not focused on interest rates right now. The rate hikes are in the past, and any change to lowering or starting to raise rates again is likely far in the future. This is currently a neutral factor.

Energy Prices – Other than the question of just how far down oil prices will go, this has ceased to be a major market concern.

Earnings – Not a big factor just yet, but looking forward to the following week, the market will be watching earnings reports to see if there are any signs of economic weakness. If earnings reports surprise to the upside, then the bulls could be out in full force.