More
“positive” than “negative” economic reports were released last week indicating the
U.S. economy continues to show improvement. 
New home sales, stronger payroll data, higher level of manufacturing
& construction, lower trade deficit, and stronger consumer sentiment all
pointed toward the “positive” direction. 
And, the 3rd quarter Gross Domestic Product (an approximation
of the U.S. economic output) came in at 3.6% annualized increase versus a 3.1%
expectation. 

On
the negative side, interest rates moved higher thus reducing the number of
refinancing of home mortgages. 
Additionally, a significant increase in inventories occurred – consumers
need to buy these products sitting on the shelves in order to keep the economic
ball rolling forward.