The Morning Look
Stock Market Overview: As of this writing (6:05am), U.S. stock futures are relatively flat to slightly mixed as stocks pause to digest the week-long pre holiday bounce. Stocks are closing early on today (1pm EST) and will be closed on Friday for Christmas. Gary’s Thoughts: Why is the market even open today? Why even have a…
Consumer Sentiment Rose in December @FoxBusiness
http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy-policy/2015/12/23/us-consumer-sentiment/?intcmp=bigtopmarketfeaturesside
Shell Lowers 2016 Capital-Spending Plan @FoxBusiness
http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2015/12/22/shell-lowers-2016-capital-spending-plan/?intcmp=bigtopmarketfeatures
Income & Spending Rose in November @FoxBusiness
http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy-policy/2015/12/23/consumer-spending/?intcmp=marketfeatures
U.S. manufacturing struggles; rising income a bright spot for economy
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-idUSKBN0U61H120151223
New Home Sales Rise 4.3% in November @FoxBusiness
http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy-policy/2015/12/23/new-home-sales/?intcmp=bigtopmarketfeatures
Pep Boys says Icahn could further sweeten offer
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pep-boys-manny-m-a-bridgestone-idUSKBN0U61KL20151223
Required Reading Of The Day
Record highs predicted for bitcoin in 2016 Cruz blasts cartoon accusing him of using his children as ‘props’ Iraqi troops expected to drive ISIS from Ramadi in days: state TV Russia’s interests coincide with Taliban’s in fight against ISIS: agency cites diplomat U.S. new home sales rise in November; momentum slows
The Closing Look
Stock Market Commentary: Stocks ended higher on Wednesday as investors digested a slew of economic data and the week-long pre-holiday rally continued. Durable goods orders were flat (unchanged) in November, beating estimates for a decline of -0.5%. U.S. personal income increased by 0.3% beating estimates for a gain of 0.2%. In the 12 months through November, the…