The Dow and S&P finished the day lower while the Nasdaq managed slight gains.  The markets were down on higher gold and a weaker dollar which continued inflation fears.  The modest day reflects anxiousness among investors as big earnings begin to come out of Wall Street.  After hours Intel (INTC) kicked off earnings season by beating analyst expectations.  This news from Intel should help boost the technology sector and the Nasdaq tomorrow.  Some big names reporting tomorrow include JP Morgan which reports before the bell.  Big economic news is expected in the September retail sales numbers.  The retail numbers have become increasingly important lately as they reflect the actions of the ever important consumer and whether or not consumer spending is on the rise.

EARNINGS COULD PUSH DOW INTO 10,000

One thing many investors are looking for this earnings season is for the Dow to cross the psychologically important 10,000 point level.  The Dow has gotten within 100 points lately but a solid earnings season could easily push the Dow over this level.  The last time the Dow was above the 10,000 point level was in early October of last year.  That week the Dow fell 2700 points or 24%.  The gains in the next few weeks that investors are looking for would not only push the Dow over 10,000 level but add on to the already impressive gains from this year.  Since hitting 12 year lows in early March, the Dow is up 50%, the S&P 59%, and the Nasdaq is leading the indexes with a 69% gain.