Kenny Polcari

Despite a steady six-month rally, lots of investors still haven't jumped back into equities. While plenty of official economic reports say things are getting better, these investors are following other signs -- often closer to home -- that say beware.

Last week, oil's ascent trumped a raft of healthy U.S. economic reports. With a relatively light slate of economic data scheduled this week, oil prices and political turmoil in the Middle East could play an even larger role in the trading sessions ahead. [Video]

During a volatile week, stocks bounced between Mideast turmoil and generally strong economic reports. Even with the jobless rate's surprising drop, equities ended on a down note. Still, stocks eked out a tiny overall gain on the week. [Video]

Even the most bullish traders figure the market needs to pull back at some point before making new highs. Considering this week's round of earnings and economic data -- and the sketchy situation in Egypt -- the sessions ahead should offer ample opportunity for profit-taking. [Video]

Stocks fell sharply Friday as investors fled to safety amid disappointing economic data, mixed corporate earnings reports and escalating violence in Egypt. A soft start for equities only got worse as the day progressed. [Video]

Once again, profit reports are expected to be a tale of strong growth, thanks more to cost cuts than revenue gains. And perhaps even more telling, fourth-quarter 2010 earnings are competing with downright dismal reports for the year-earlier period. [Video]

This week was all about jobs reports, and after December's employment numbers fell short of expectations, stocks ended the first week of trading in 2011 on a down note. Kenny Polcari, managing director at ICAP Corporates explains from the New York Stock Exchange.

Traders face plenty of economic news this week, and considering how much the market has risen, it could be time for a bit of a pullback. But at least one trader thinks that's just what's needed to create a base for further gains ahead. [Video]

The markets ended the week on a high note with encouraging economic news, a surprise jump in consumer sentiment and a drop in the trade deficit, among other things. Is the Fed's latest round of stimulus working?

Stocks don't move in a straight line, and a relatively light week of earnings reports and economic data should give the market a much-needed break after the major indexes have run up to two-year highs. But long-term, the direction still looks upward [VIDEO].