Stock Market Blog -Dec 26th

The market inched up again this week on very light volume, while Bonds drifted down. The VIX continues to drift down as well, approaching the April low, as well as the 2008 low.

New unemployment claims for the week fell to 420,000 (chart).
This week, no banks were shut down by the FDIC! (list).

Next week: (Economic reports link). Light trading week expected due to the holidays.

Market commentary: I expect we'll close out the year at right about the current level. After the 1st of January, we could see some volatility as traders position for the new year and for a new batch of earnings reports.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Commodities (charts):
Oil prices continued to rise, closing just over $91 per barrel.
Natural Gas was mostly unchanged, closing near $4.00.
Gold dropped a bit, closing around $1375.
The 30 year Bond dropped again, closing near $120'16.
The US Dollar index was mostly flat, closing around 80.80.

News:
Stocks Keep Delivering in December
Three holiday indicators to bring you cheer
Bespoke: Bullish Sentiment Reaches Historical Extremes
17 Facts About China That Will Blow Your Mind
Outlook 2011: Is the Smart Money Right About China?
Investor bond retreat the fastest pace in 2 years
The Three Financial Trends That Will Define 2011