The longer the oil prices stay at this level, the more of a weight it puts on the market. That said, unemployment claims reflect the current strength of the economy. But the perception is that the current strength cannot be sustained with oil prices at these levels. As a result, the market is having a hard time making much progress to the upside.

240

The market was too sanguine about the Fed moving to the sidelines at the end of the year or under a new chairman. They're going to keep tightening until they get a break in the inflation rate.

222

They're still very decent, solid numbers and show no threat to the expansion. They're just not as strong as they were.

151

The investor will be sensitive to any signs that the sharp spike in energy prices is going to derail the consumer sector, the overall economy and corporate profit growth in the fourth quarter.

144

We've had two days of gains to start the year. I think this day is going to be the day for consolidation, and we are in front of tomorrow's payroll numbers.

134

There's going to be massive reconstruction in the Gulf region in a couple of months. And that is going to generate a lot of business and gains for the companies involved in the effort.

102

The two likely things influencing the market (this) week is the direction of energy prices and the impression that the Fed is going to stop raising rates.

101

You have to borrow $2 billion a day to fund that. It's an imbalance that's unsustainable.

89

We will likely see quite a reversal of the January surge in housing starts during February as a mid-month blizzard blanketed the East Coast under heavy banks of snow.

77