THE OPEN

Markets open mixed with strength in the midcap/smallcap area while the DJIA trades red. Also some red flags in the financials as most trade red including GS JPM C WFCD LM MER MS BEN BLK TROW CME ICE NDAQ- so I wouldn't get too excited until those start to flip.

NYSE- 800 net winners;

NAZ- 400 net winners;

NDX- 70 GREEN;

OEX- 50 GREEN;

IBD- 75 GREEN;

VIX- flat at 20.5;

Up volume double the down;

WINNERS- GMXR AZZ KNDL ARD PVA TITN SYUT MEE NTAP STLD FMCN FWLT LEAP EXPE EP WMB ATI LEH S COP ORCL;

LOSERS- BMY TGT BK JPM ALL GS PFE AMLN UAUA JAVA SHLD BIIB GENZ AMGN GOOG CME DECK MA CELG;

Probably time to go back out on the limb for a range/choppy day call as lots of cross currents with good numbers in the energy sector while financials and big cap are lagging.

And FWIW Joe Lieberman surging on intrade for VP selection by McCain- last trade at about 15%.