Stock Market Blog -Dec 2nd

The market drifted a little higher this week as retail sales seemed to be somewhat better than expected, otherwise it was kind of a slow week. Gold prices dropped a bit. For the most part, the market is waiting for some kind of news on a resolution for the 'fiscal cliff'. YUM dropped on a weak outlook for China.

New all time highs:   COST, CLX, GIS, MRC, LTD, PSX, UN, V -again
All time lows: 
Pops:  GMCR, 
Drops: KSS, TFM, TIF, YUM

Next week: Economic reports   Monthly Jobs report on Friday!

Market Commentary

The market may be rangebound till we get some clarity on the US fiscal situation. Likewise for the European situation. Volatility is very low, as is volume. Maybe the only tradable events this week will be the Jobs report, and earnings reports (AZO, LULU).

This week's charts:

Weekly Unemployment claims
S&P 500 -pullback next?
OptionsMakeSense

Commodities/Futures (charts):
Crude Oil was up, closing near $88.91
Natural Gas dropped, closing near $3.56
Gold dropped, closing near $1713
The 30 year Bond was up, closing near $151.41
The US Dollar dropped a bit, closing near 80.16

NEWS:
Stocks stuck on fiscal cliff treadmill
Geithner: No deal 'without rates going up'
Junk Bonds Are So Popular Now They're Dangerous
Indonesia: The newest BRIC?