Economic news remains relatively benign without any real market-moving catalysts evident in the data. Yesterday applications for U.S. jobless benefits fell by 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 382,000 in the week ended Sept. 15. Economists expected claims to drop to 375,000. Business among manufacturers in the Philadelphia region improved modestly in September. The bank's business-conditions index rose to -1.9 from -7.1 in August. Economists expected the index to rise to -4.0.
After a brief sell off on Thursday at the open, the major averages all made comebacks to finish near the top of their trading ranges, a sign of support. Nevertheless, the major market indexes remain in a tight sideways range following last Thursday's upside jaunt following the Fed's QE3 announcement. Both gold GLD and silver SLV also finished near the top of their trading range after a brief sell off and are holding very tightly above their 10-day moving averages as they also continue to move in a tight sideways range following a big upside move last Thursday. This morning, gold is making a run at the 1800 level while silver follows suit in its own attept to clear the 35 price levve.
Stocks
Michael Kors Holdings (KORS) raised guidance after-hours yesterday, and the stock is ttrading above the 54 level pre-open this morning after closing at 52.49 yesterday. KORS is still waiting to price a 20-million-share secondary offering, which could put a lid on any short-term move.
Most leading stocks continue to track sideways as they consoidate prior gains, and as a result very view actionable signals have appeared either way, as investors are advised to sit tight until further evidence presents itself.