The markets had a good week. The Dow ended up 2.62%, the S&P up 2.97%, and the Nasdaq up 2.24%.   Fueling the growth was the November ADP National Employment Report, which reported private nonfarm payrolls to be up by 93,000 jobs. Also helping was movement towards stability and resolution in the continuing debt problems in Europe, as well as the U.S. government working toward extension of tax cuts.  Despite a disappointing employment report from the government Friday, the markets finished the week strong.

There has been a dramatic increase in interest rates recently. Money is finally coming out of bond funds. Money is not moving into stock funds yet, but that money must eventually go somewhere. These moves could signal renewed confidence in the markets and in the economy.

Next week is light in economic data, and no earning reports from companies stand out.

This week’s factoid: Spain has failed to attract the 2018 World Cup to its shores, and the event will instead be hosted by Russia. We have our fingers crossed that Spain will be more successful in other endeavors in the coming weeks.