Equities rebounded for a fourth day as investors scoop up newly found bargains. The move may gain momentum now that retail sales data and earnings from the major retailers is in, but investors should be cautious in the near term. While bullish, the action of late is driven in large part by short selling and short-covering so should not be viewed as true buying. The S&P 500 may continue to move upward in the near term but there is a chance for resistance at the 4,100 to 4,200 range. If resistance is present at that range the index could fall back to the newly set low and possibly lower.

The next big hurdle for the week will come next Friday in the form of the PCE price index. The PCE price index is the Fed's favored tool for measuring consumer-level inflation and it has been running very hot over the past year. Another month of record-level inflation with no sign of it relenting could seal the fate of the Fed's ability to provide a soft landing in regard to the economy. With inflation running rampant, the FOMC may have no choice but to intentionally induce a recession.