The Week Ahead: Investors have much to be concerned with in light of the big increase in the CPI as food, gas and a host of other items sore. Adding to worries are the unfolding housing collapse and credit crunch. With that said, watch the housing starts and building permits numbers on Tuesday. Also, the Q3 final GDP report and leading indicators for November are due Thursday. The week will close with personal spending and income numbers, and the Univ. of Michigan's final Consumer Sentiment Index.

Stocks to Watch: BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) received FDA approval to market its treatment for a a rare disease linked to mental retardation as the stock closed at an all time high. Shares of Compton Petroleum (CMZ) jumped on news that Centennial Energy Partners is urging the board to consider the sale of the company. United Rental (URI) rebounded nicely off a recent low when a Delaware court allowed a lawsuit against Cerberus Capital which failed to perform on a buyout of URI. Finally, Qwest Communications Int'l (Q) reinstated an .08 cent per share quarterly dividend.

Special Note: As the year winds to a close, two noteworthy item to investigate as 2008 arrives: One is the usual seasonal strength pattern seen this time of year has been noticeably absent since November 1 as evidenced by the DJIA, Russell 2000, S&P 600 Small Caps, Value Line Composite, S&P Financials, S&P Retail, and Semiconductor Indexes making lower highs and lower lows indicating a majority of stocks have entered a bear market. Two, the Fed has cut the Fed funds rate three times and 1 full point since September and yet the market is lower. Investors may recall similar events occurred during the market correction from 2000 to 2002.

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