Barry Hyman Stronger Quotations

There is a little bit of profit-taking and a little bit of nervousness as we go into Thursday's GDP number, ... The durable goods number was a little stronger than expected. That shows continued strength in the economy. That is not what you want to see right now.

Retail sales numbers were stronger than expected, and that shows that consumer are still spending, and I think that is weighing on the market today and it should. But it's not weighing on the Nasdaq, where you're seeing those really good earnings reports. People really regard tech as the place to make money.

Trying to pick a trend in this market is impossible. Friday's action was anemic, and today there's anticipation of a stronger earnings season. Other than short-term traders, it's hard to negotiate a market that is so narrow in range. We're at least stable for now, but there hasn't been a trend for over a month.

As long as we continue to see good earnings and the reaction to good earnings positive, then you will see Nasdaq as the sector of choice. The Dow is being weighted by this conflicting (economic) story -- stronger consumer spending and OK-looking inflation numbers. But the tech (sector) is merrily rolling along.

There was worry that something stronger would keep the Fed going. There is a bit of concern with a bit of wage inflation, which corroborates yesterday's poor productivity numbers.