News not as bad as expected

Stocks are higher this morning, and that is in light of Initial Jobless Claims coming in at 367,000 and Factory Orders dropping less than expected.  It appears QE3 is supporting markets when the “not as bad as expected” news gives investors a reason to keep pushing towards all-time highs.  The FOMC Minutes will be released today at 2pmET and tomorrow is the big monthly jobs report.  The expectation is very low and a surprise could come either way.  With rates being at the door step of their all-time lows, we will suggest locking in order to avoid the volatility.