There has been a slight softening in the economic data. Profits generally grow in line with the cycle, so if the economic data is growing sideways, or is not as strong as it was, then to what extent does that indicate (a) troubled recovery in profits?.

The markets are still very defensive in tone. Airlines are still being hit quite sharply. But we saw some renewed interest in some of the telecommunication names,

The markets are still very defensive in tone. Airlines are still being hit quite sharply. But we saw some renewed interest in some of the telecommunication names.

It seems like the U.S. markets are likely to see a sloppy start after Friday's sessions,

One reason the futures may be up is because the latest economic data have been a bit softer than expected and that better for the direction of interest rates.

Data suggest that economic activity has bottomed and that the worst is now being reported for corporate profits, ... As such, stock price gains are expected to continue, supported by improvements in corporate performance and mild-mannered inflation and interest rates.