(Lee Siler) - Stocks took a hit yesterday despite a slew of positive earnings news. It appears that the recent run up in stocks prices was in anticipation of a better than expected third quarter with regards to profits. It is ominous that the market can't seem to chug higher in the midst of terrific quarterly reports. With about 25% of the S&P 500 reporting earnings, approximately 79% of companies have beat analysts' expectations. That is itself is much better than average.

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(Malcolm Butler) - Recent economic data suggests that the worst of the recession is behind us. The stock market has been moving higher in anticipation of a recovery in the business community. While the economic future is still uncertain, we will likely see increased economic activity over the coming months.

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(Lee Siler) - So far earnings season has started out with a bang. Alcoa got things started by beating estimates last week. Then this morning all eyes were on Goldman Sachs, which their results knocked the cover off the ball. The company reported a 33% rise in quarterly profits on very strong trading results. Certainly a good second quarter for the stock market helped buoy their report. Remember, last month Goldman paid back the TARP money they borrowed and is now the last investment bank standing. Earnings came in at $4.93 a share versus First Call estimates of $3.54 a share. This earnings report was no surprise to Wall Street, as the stock traded up over $8 a share yesterday in anticipation of a blow out number.

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