Most of the time, the U.S. stock market looks to 3 factors to support its upward trend – let’s grade each of the factors: CONSUMER SPENDING: I grade this factor a C (neutral). THE FED AND ITS POLICIES: I grade this factor an A+ (extremely favorable) because the FED cannot do much more than it is doing to support the stock market and asset prices. BUSINESS PROFITABILITY: I upgraded this factor to an A (very favorable). About 70% of the 500 largest public companies beat the estimates for first quarter profits – this is a very positive development and supports higher stock prices in the future.