The Week Ahead: With consumer confidence waning because of weak housing and labor markets, the up-tick in the consumer spending numbers and tame core inflation rings hollow to many. Stocks, never-the-less registered there best September since 1998. Look for the ISM Manufacturing Survey and an Alan Greenspan speech on Monday. Auto sales and pending home sales data is released Tuesday. Jobless claims, factory orders, and the federal budget numbers are due Thursday. A widely anticipated September employment report is out Friday.

Stocks to Watch: Gold shares have been on the rise led by Barrick Gold (ABX) as December gold hit $750 an ounce. First Solar (FSLR) is nearing all time highs again as its Board approved expansion plans into Malaysia. Travelzoo (TZOO) has been on the rise as speculation that Priceline.com may takeover the company. Silverstar Holdings (SSTR) which publishes interactive video game software had an excellent 4th quarter, expects revenue to rise, and boosted earnings guidance going forward.

Special Note: Profit growth in the 3rd quarter is expected to be the lowest in the last 3 to 5 years with consumer discretionary, energy, and financial company's leading the downside. For every 1 company raising their earnings forecast 2 are cutting. Oil is up 5 weeks in a row and appears to be firming as the 4th quarter begins. The major indexes have had no meaningful pause in 3 weeks and may be nearing one soon. Traders can look to take profits as the markets approach the 5 year anniversary of the 2002 low.


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


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