CLOSING NUMBERS

Markets closed a bit off the highs after financials surged in the 45 minutes before the close. The SPX closed +2 and the NAZ +1 while the DJIA was -25.

Strong sectors- fins, gaming, metals and shipping while utils, semis, energy and trannies lagged.

NYSE- 525 net winners;

NAZ- flat internals;

NDX- 25 GREEN;

OEX- 45 GREEN;

VIX- up 3.5% at 37.85;

TRIN- .64 with up and down volume about equal;

Gold closed up about $15 and crude down $2.35 as the dollar tanked for the first time in a while;

GS releases earnings early and the stock is dropping on the news earnings of $3.39 unadjusted- oops moving higher now at $130+.

Markets still way over bought and much of the media continues to beat the drum for bear market rally- I have no idea if it is but for now buying into weakness is paying off with winning trades.

Finally - a new HD tv in the trading room and my goodness Maria B - have you heard of WTW- or maybe get a gig with one of those companies and challenge Valarie B or Kirstie Alley- goodness.