The tone has been cautious and trading volumes have been low. Many investors have taken to the sidelines rather than commit to stocks. However, the Nasdaq gained 2.7% last week. The market will probably bounce around next week as the market remains torn between rising hopes for the U.S. economy and debt problems in Europe. U.S. companies begin to release Q4 reports and discuss the outlook for 2012. Overall, earnings for the S&P 500 companies are expected to be up 7.5% . Alcoa will report results Monday. In Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show will bring together top high-tech executives. The main attraction on the economic calendar is Thursday's report on December retail sales.
