The Week Ahead: Although more new jobs were added in November than forecasted, job growth is still below what is needed to off-set new employees entering the job market. Watch Tuesday's Fed meeting to determine if the economy is slowing enough to warrant interest rate cuts in the months ahead. Other days with reports to watch are Monday's wholesale trade numbers, Tuesday's trade deficit, Wednesday's retail sales and business inventories, Thursday's weekly jobless claims and import prices, and Friday's CPI, industrial production, and capacity utilization.

Stocks to Watch: McDonald's (MCD) enjoyed sales growth of 5.1% on higher margin products as the stock rises on waning upside momentum. Citigroup {C} has been rising on speculation the company may be broken up as analysts feel the parts are worth more than the whole. Verifone (Pay) continues to show solid earnings on worldwide growth numbers as its stock continues into all time high territory. Ingersoll Rand (IR) has broken through the 200 day moving average as its board approved a $2 billion buyback of its class A shares. Finally, Bank of America (BAC) may acquire Barclays Plc based on a Merrill Lynch report.

Special Note: The Dow Industrials are poised yet again for another break to new all time highs despite a deteriorating technical backdrop. Although fundamentals beneath most company's are currently stable, the earnings going forward will likely be impacted by such factors as a declining manufacturing sector especially construction jobs which recently fell sharply and falling productivity numbers. Stocks that have been strong all year may remain so as many investors defer selling until the new tax year. Continue to diversify portfolio positions.


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

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