The major indexes traded upward a bit today, although the Russell 2000 Index traded up rather strongly by $12 to close at $645. This may be related to the fact that the components of the RUT will be reconstituted this weekend. SPX gained $3 to close at $1078. Trading volume increased significantly, increasing 20% on the NYSE and 71% on NASDAQ. Trading in the S&P 500 stocks jumped up to 5.5 billion shares, exceeding the 50 dma at 5 billion shares. The VIX dropped back 4% to 28.5%. It appears as though some of the anxiety in the market was diminished after seeing the final draft of the financial reform bill. Banks and financial services stocks did well today. GS ran up $5 to close at $140. The University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey also boosted the market with a reading of 76, its highest reading since January of 2008. But the major indexes continue to trade in a broad range established over the past month. If the decrease in VIX continues into next week, that will be helpful to anyone who established their iron condors this past week. So market analysts continue to watch for a trend, but so far, the market appears to be searching for its direction. Have a good weekend.