Cautiously optimistic comments from two British banks this morning: HSBC earnings were better than expected and the tone of the report was upbeat, with bad loans down. Barclays said it expects loan losses to peak in the first quarter of 2010.    Read More

Despite rough economic data the bulls could not be held down and reversed a 100 point drop in the Dow. But that might not be such a positive sign after all...   Read More

Economy: better signs. Markets driven by stronger economic news and commentary from banks and autos.    Read More

After the Dow ended with its best July in two decades, stocks are starting August on a strong note. Strength this morning is stemming from strong manufacturing data out of Europe and China, earnings out of a couple of major European banks, and optimism over July Ford auto sales.    Read More

First, let me give you a funny story about my experience blogging about Annemarie Dooling, the young lady who Tweeted during a bank robbery yesterday in Manhattan. After reading her account of what happened on Twitter, I wanted to confirm there had actually been a bank robbery. The web folks wanted to make sure we weren't being punked.   Read More

One of the most important economic indicators for the stock market, comes out Friday before the bell. And traders are taking their position now!   Read More

The U.S. dollar will continue to be the currency of choice, said Ron Shah, managing partner at Jina Ventures.    Read More