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Markets: The Market had another positive week, as the DOW scored its 7th straight weekly gain. Small Caps have lost some of their luster, as they trailed for the 2nd straight week. Trading volume was light, as per usual in the last 2 weeks of the year. About 4 billion shares changed hands in U.S. exchanges, vs. a 7.4 billion daily average over the last 20 sessions.
Dividend Stocks Update: These high dividend stocks go ex-dividend this coming week: (NYSE:HASI), (NYSE:ACRE), (BK:AFC), (NYSE:AHT), (NYSE:BXMT), (NYSE:CBL), (NYSE:CIM), (NYSE:CLDT), (NYSE:CLNY), (NASDAQ:CSAL), (NYSE:DX), (NASDAQ:FSAM), (NYSE:LHO), (NYSE:MAIN), (NYSE:LXP), (NYSE:NLY), (NYSE:SRC), (NYSE:STWD), (NASDAQ:WIN), (NYSE:CXW), (NYSE:JCAP).
Volatility: The VIX fell 6.2% this week, finishing at $11.40.
Currency: The dollar rose vs. most other major currencies, except the yen and the Swiss franc.
Market Breadth: 18 of the DOW 30 stocks rose this week, vs. 19 last week. 58% of the S&P 500 rose this week, vs. 40% last week.
US Economic News: Housing data was upbeat – New Home Sales and Existing Home Sales both beat forecasts. Q3 GDP was revised upward to 3.5%, another sign of a strengthening US economy.
Week Ahead Highlights: It’ll be a short week, with the market closed on Monday, for the Christmas holiday.
Next Week’s US Economic Reports:
Sectors & Futures:
Telecoms led this week, continuing their run – they lead YTD also. Basic Materials trailed, as the dollar gained again.
Energy futures surged this week, with natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, and heating oil all making strong gains in the futures market. Coffee lost its buzz, and trailed:
