It was a rough (even if short) week on Wall Street. But at least the Dow ended higher after losing more than 300 points in the previous three days. Some month-end bargain-hunting also helped stem the slide. [Video]
Last week, traders had ample opportunity to take some profits -- and yet the market kept rising. With fewer big reports on tap this week and a key technical hurdle overcome, stocks could very well extend their gains in the sessions ahead. [Video]
Trading volume last week was anemic, but things could get moving again this week. In addition to some big earnings reports, this Friday is a "quadruple witching day," and the market often puts up weekly gains when they end with witching days on Friday.
Stocks closed higher Friday for the seventh time in the last eight sessions, helped by fewer jobless claims and a stronger-than-expected reading on wholesale inventories and sales. Volume was especially light at the end of the holiday- shortened trading week.
Stocks were surprisingly resilient after the lousy July jobs report was released on Friday. Now, with the report behind us and earnings season just about over, what will drive the market in the week ahead?
Seasick investors may need some Dramamine this week: A deluge of earnings and economic reports promises more volatility. But the biggest market-moving waves will keep coming from Europe's financial crisis.