Friends

Despite a bit of a roller coaster, stocks ended the week on a high note. Next week we really start to dig into earnings season with the big banks leading us off on Tuesday as we hear from Goldman, Bank of America, JP Morgan, Citi, and Wells Fargo.

As for today, by the close the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 149 points to finish the day at 52,637. The S&P 500 was up 31 points to close at 7,575. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 74 points to close at 26,281. Gold was down $30 to trade at $4,110 per ounce, while oil was down $.51 to trade at $71.57 per barrel WTI.

The market averages continue to hover Just below all-time highs. The bears have provided obstacles for the bulls, but so far, the bulls have been able to avoid any real damage. As mentioned, the dog days of summer might just be a bit more interesting this year. Stay tuned.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Jim