Randy Diamond Quotations

The action in equities has been impressive in the face of the uncertainty in the Middle East and surging energy and commodity prices. And even the mixed earnings news we've gotten so far has not derailed the train. But look out, because volatility is back.

Due to the Fed's preoccupation over inflation pressures, next Thursday's CPI report will be the main focus, but the obsession over global central bank rate hikes should subside because there is nothing major on the next week's calendar.

For the next two weeks, the weekly retail sales will be important in light of the warmer weather, which should induce solid sales. Anything less than solid sales would be a red flag, but we do not expect that to happen.

The market was already priced for far better results than we've seen so far and will need to improve if stocks are to regain upside traction.