Dear Friends,
It has been a "So far so bad" situation on the economical reports. Everything from the ISM manufacturing data, ISM non-manufacturing data, ADP employment to the weekly jobless claims have been worse than expectations. However what is good about the market sentiment is that it remains to be a "So far so good" situation.
Do look at our attachment below for the data figures:
With yesterday's poor jobless claims, the DOW actually still managed to close 56 points higher, S&P500 6 points higher. This shows that market still maintains its amazing stubbornly bullish stance.
Having said that, the stakes for tonight's Non farm payroll has never been higher. The economic reports' stellar performance in the first quarter may be dented by a less than expectations results, proving that the recent economical reports may be due to a temporary QE3 boost and a seasonally good first quarter performance. Second quarter may be tougher than the first.
Seasonally there is always a truth to the "Sell in May and Go Away" concept as enterprises cut down on production going into the summer holidays. Normally, the effect of the good earnings reports that were released in the 4th quarter in January gradually diminished going into the 2nd quarter.
US companies' earnings results will start to be released on Monday, 8th April starting with the first DOW company Alcoa.
All eyes are fixed on Friday's non-farm payroll. If non-farm turns out well, this bull run may have a chance of continuation. If not, we might start to see a few bears coming out of their hideouts.
Rgds
Daniel
www.danielloh.com