The Week Ahead: Job growth has now slowed to the lowest level in 2 years with only 88,000 jobs created. This weakness is expected to keep the Federal Reserve on hold with interest rates this Wednesday. Reports to watch this week are Tuesday's wholesale inventories, Thursday's international trade numbers, import prices, and jobless claims, and Friday's PPI, retail sales, and business inventories. With gas prices now near record levels at the pump, watch this Wednesday's crude oil and gasoline report for clues of potential relief or not.

Stocks to Watch: Mastercard (MA) earnings surged 70% as credit dependent consumers charged more and more purchases. Sears Holdings (SHLD) gapped lower after it estimated earnings to be less than the street expected. Crocs Inc. (CROX) maker of unusual shoes soared on much better than expected profits and declared a 2 for 1 stock split. Eastman Kodak (EK) reported a greater than expected loss and cut there 07' forecast as the stock continues to underperform. Electronic Data Systems (EDS) sold off hard on weaker than anticipated sales.

Special Note: A further note to last weeks special alert regarding the DOW's historic surge without a 10% correction. Of the last 7 periods of time greater than 30 months before a correction unfolded, the smallest correction was 14% starting in 1953 while the largest was 50% starting in 1937. Incidentally, the 1987 crash preceded a 37 month stretch of time. The current 50 month period is unprecedented. Potentially, the volatility (VIX) options offer a way to profit from or hedge away portfolio risk while shorting or purchasing puts as insurance on long positions are others.


Commentary provided by Barry Ward, Registered Principal, NobleTrading.com, Inc.

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