March was a very strong month for the markets, and many bulls argued the trend would continue and new highs were soon to be achieved. But the markets have slowed as they approached the recent highs from December. SPX closed today at $2081, down $2 and RUT closed up $2 at $1131.

The recent highs in SPX were $2078 on 12/29, $2103 on 12/1, and $2110 on 11/3. Contrary to much of the hoopla in the financial press, SPX has barely reached the late December highs and appears to be losing its momentum. Thus far in this earnings season, earnings declines from year over year comparisons have been ignored. Bad news is good news. I don't see economic data worthy of recession fears, but I don't see booming economic data either.

Trading volume was modestly higher today, surprising for an option expiration Friday. Trading in the S&P 500 came in at 2.1 billion shares, remaining well off the 50 dma. Trading volume rose 4% on the NYSE and rose 2% on NASDAQ.

Volatility was largely unchanged with the VIX at 13.6% (down a tenth of a point).

The Empire manufacturing survey moved up in April to 9.6 from last month's 0.6. Industrial production continued to decline in March, down 0.6%, after declining 0.6% in February. Capacity utilization declined a bit to 74.8% for March, down from 75.3% in February.

SPX settled at $2083.83 today. RUT still had not posted its settlement price as I write this blog. You may download a spreadsheet of SPX and RUT settlement prices in the downloads section of my web site.

Data point for defunct bureaucracies: A friend of mine appealed a mistake in her property tax assessment and the tax assessor said she would have to wait for her refund until the next installment of taxes are paid in June because they are out of money...

I am going to mow the lawn for the first time this season this weekend. I know, I know. You've been mowing for a month already. We can't afford to grow grass here in Illinois.