The debate about whether stocks are finding a floor is gaining momentum, but traders agree it's the earnings season that will help decide the details.    Read More

The Dow rose Tuesday in another turbulent session after a pullback in oil prices eased worries about consumer and business spending. What's the "Word on the Street?"   Read More

Some traders are also turning bullish. John Mendelson of the Stanford Group issued a buy signal late in the day; traders tell me it was his 3rd buy signal in 5 years, and the prior two calls were very good.   Read More

The conventional wisdom on Alcoa is pretty simple: surging energy costs + aluminum price increases that lag other commodities = unimpressive profits. Unless the metals giant surprises (nearly) everyone, earnings season is set to start with a whimper.   Read More

Another issue weighing on financials is the gradual realization that the government is dead serious about additional regulation, particularly of brokerage firms. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, speaking at an FDIC forum, argued that the Fed should have broader power to monitor the financial system.    Read More

Here's our Fast Money Final Trade. Our gang gives you tomorrow's best trades, right now!   Read More

Traders appear reluctant to make bets before hearing earnings updates from companies. Is that an opportunity for you?   Read More

Jon Hilsenrath, money and investing news editor at the The Wall Street Journal, offered CNBC his "5 for 5": the five stocks you must watch this week.   Read More

Commodities are a bit weaker here as the dollar is stronger, stock futures are flat. Europe and Asia are mostly higher, the Shanghai Composite, however, is up 4.6 percent today, best day in a month on strong earnings forecast from a couple of their banks.    Read More

Stocks are likely to remain hobbled by gushing oil prices in the week ahead, but it's also the start of the earnings season, and that will ultimately influence direction.   Read More