(As of 7:09 am PST)
Stocks are marching upward today with mixed economic data. Jobless claims
came in higher than expected, but that was quickly overshadowed by a sharp
increase in personal income. Chicago PMI, a key measure of industrial
activity, was up sharply and well above expectations. Profit reports are
generally coming in better than expected, adding to market momentum. Gold
is down sharply and oil down slightly. Mortgage interest rates appear to
be headed up,with 30 year rates averaging near 3.6%. It looks like a
positive day today driven by good earnings reports and positive economic
reports.
