Range Bound as Bulls Try to Pick Themselves Off the Ground

With little in terms of data to start the week, the equity markets are nearly unchanged in lackluster action as the bulls are trying to overcome continued sovereign debt concerns in the Eurozone and economic uncertainty, which have led to a disappointing start to 2010. This week is likely to be relatively lighter than usual with 4Q earnings winding down and the economic calendar set to produce a smattering of data. Treasuries remain modestly lower as there are no major reports to be released today. In equity news, CVS Caremark reports better-than-expected earnings but its revenues came in light, while Hasbro announced earnings that easily topped analysts' forecasts. Also, troubled commercial lender CIT Group announced former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain as their new leader. Overseas, Asia finished mixed, while Europe has overcome modest pressure and is higher in late-day
action.

Bulls Search for Identity Amid Heightened Volatility

Coming off another week in the red as 2010 has not been kind to the bulls, stocks are slightly lower in early action amid sovereign debt concerns in the Eurozone and employment uncertainty following Friday's mixed labor report. This week is shaping up to be relatively lighter than usual with 4Q earnings winding down and the economic calendar set to produce a smattering of data. Treasuries are modestly lower as there are no major reports to be released today. In equity news, CVS Caremark reports better-than-expected earnings but its revenues came in light, while Hasbro announced earnings that easily topped analysts' forecasts. Overseas, Asia finished mixed, and Europe is under modest pressure in afternoon action.