I began my career back in 1974, which was right in the midst of a grueling grizzly bear market that extended for years with very few opportunities during that time. 

Even though the major stock indices have much different performances year to date with the Nasdaq well out in the lead and the Dow bringing up the rear… 

Historically the stretch between November and May is a positive time for the stock market, and this has proven to be the case this year. 

Yesterday’s rally was accompanied by generally higher volume and from a technical research 101 perspective, that’s an encouraging sign. 

Several random thoughts and observations — for one, the 1st quarter earnings that have been reported so far have not really been a great surprise from the market’s perspective… 

It seems Wall Street observers are determined to put the stock market in a particular box – bullish camp or the bearish camp. 

It’s early in the 1st quarter earnings reporting season, but my casual sketch observation of earnings is that they’re coming in better than expected across a number of different sectors. 

As we move to the heart of the 1st quarter earnings reporting season, the market seems to be in a pause mode, but this is pretty normal and acceptable from a technical standpoint. 

As we move into the thick of the 1st quarter earnings reporting season, there isn’t too much to report. Those companies that have reported their earnings have seen mixed reactions, but I think the takeaway, at least so far, is… 

Sentiment indicators can be interpreted to fit almost any market narrative. For instance, they can be interpreted as a contrary indication of market behavior…