Stocks higher on light volume

Dow climbed 91, advancers over decliners 3-2 & NAZ was up only 5. Dow remained near plus 80 for most of the day & had only had two losers, Alcoa (AA) & General Electric (GE). Volume continues light, partially with some (the more successful) away for a long holiday. Banks were eager to join in the rally.

S&P 500 FINANCIALS INDEX

Value 162.58

Change 2.23

% Change 1.4%

MLPs held their AM gains, up 1+ to the 222s. REITs were even & junk bond funds continued mixed. The yield on the 10 year Treasury ticked down another basis point to 3.49%. The VIX was down ½ to the 25s, far away from the highs in the 80s early this year. But 20 used to be considered elevated in the old days (more than a year ago).

Alerian MLP Index --- YTD




Dow Jones REIT Index --- YTD




Oil remained strong in the PM pushing to get back to its 72 high.

CLQ09.NYM

..Crude Oil Aug 09

..71.48

.. 2.32 ......(3.4%)

The S&P 500 is having it's best qtr in 11 years, up 16% coming off the very low levels 3 months ago. Dow "only" has a 12% gain. For both much of the gains came in Apr.

Dow Jones Industrials --- 3 months




S&P 500 --- 3 months