THE CLOSE

Markets closed near their highs with the DJIA +66, NAZ +19 and SPX +8.

Strongest sectors included oils, metals, tech, small cap growth and biotechs. On the weakside were brokers, airlines, utilities, gaming, retail and homies.

Big winners included ORCL GOOG AA NSM XOM ATI PDCO RIMM MICC BEAS BIIB INFY AAPL PTI FTK MTL SNHY and VIP.

Big losers PTNR NGA PCR EML CELG VOLV ARO TWIN HD MER SO EXC WB WYNN GENZ GRMN FLEX and JNPR.

Market internals were good all day with the NYSE showing 1,300 net winners and about 900 net green on the NAZ.

The NDX/OEX both showed about 3 up to every 1 down.

Volatility indexes down about 6% on the day and back under the 10 day SMA's.

Well if we get some mergers or private equity take outs over the weekend we may get back to the old highs before mid week. Also watch the interest rates as the 10 year now at 4.861% is starting to cause a stir. My guess, a temporary stir.