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Staying in touch with current events and market action is important for trading success. This blog contains topics of interest that relate to individual stocks, market indices, market sectors/industries, and ETFs. 

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Market Surges on FOMC Minutes

Charles Schaap -

On Wednesday,the general market slowly ate away overhead supply in the morning session, and then it gained momentum in the afternoon. It surged higher immediately following the release of FOMC minutes which indicated support for a more accommodative approach on money supply.

The Nasdaq Composite surged for a +70 point gain (+1.72%), and the S&P rose +20 points (+1.09%). The Dow also climbed over 1% today, posting a +181 point advance. The small-cap Russel beat the other major indices with a +1.38% gain. 

Volume declined compared to Tuesday. Advancers held a 5-to-2 edge over decliners, and up volume beat down volume by an 8-to-3 margin.The market closed on the highs of the day, a positive sign of strong buying. The Nasdaq, which had dipped negative on the year, is back above the close at the end of 2013.

Industries that led the recent market decline were strong performers today; tech, biotech, and healthcare were among the day's winners. 

Today's action does not end the correction, but its a positive step. The Nasdaq is rising to test its 50 EMA; if rejected, the market can attempt another swing down.Today, the S&P and Dow closed strongly above their respective 50 EMAs.

Tomorrow's economic reports: Initial jobless claims, continuing claims, export and import prices

September Could Be Worse than August
Charles Schaap - August 30, 2013

Historically, August is one of the 4 worst performing months for the S&P 500 (source: Stock Trader's Almanac). This year, the S&P's performance in August fit the history, falling -2.8% during a market correction. The large, blue arrow represents the month of August....keep reading