Today, the market set the highs and lows of the day in the morning session. then price bounced around inside this range. In the end, results were mixed. The Nasdaq gained +12 points (+0.30%) and the S&P gave up less than a point (-0.02%). Up/Down volume was about equal, although decliners beat advancers by a ratio of 1.2 to 1. Volume was above average.

Over the first 5 days of January, the Nasdaq slipped -0.26% and the S&P gave up -0.60%. According to the Stock Traders Almanac, if the first 5 days show a gain, there is an over 80% probability of an up year. There is also a saying, as January goes, so goes the year. So far, January is starting out inauspiciously.