THE CLOSE

The bulls aren't giving up easily as the markets closed lower but well off their worst levels.

Sector strength- gaming, oils, junk, shipping and retail;

NYSE- 1050 net green;

NAZ- 244 net green;

NDX- 40 GREEN;

OEX- 45 GREEN;

VIX- flat;

RSI (2) levels-

SPX 81

DJIA 68

NAZ- 87

RUT 90

A little of the over bought levels were worked off today but the RUT/NDX keeps on trucking- and markets feel like they want to go higher - despite the continued crummy performance from the financials- looks like energy and commodities are going to lead this leg and the banks will continue to lag.