The markets had an up week- to varying degrees. Tech was way out ahead, with the Nasdaq up 1.78% for the week. The S&P chugged along heartily, gaining 1.28%. The Dow dragged its feet a bit, ending the week up .25%. The economy continues to show signs of improvement, and Europe seems to be slowly getting its financial house in order.

This week, yields on two-years and longer duration bonds  jumped some 25 basis points- devastating on low-yielding bonds bonds’ prices.  It’s possible we’re finally seeing the turn in bonds for which we have been calling for some time now.

Next week, we’ll be looking at consumer sentiment, inflation, and housing numbers. And, as always, weekly claims.

This Week’s Factoid:  The U.S. is the only country in the Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation to tax money when it is repatriated to this country. Cisco’s CEO, John Chambers, says that there is $1 trillion held by American companies in foreign countries, waiting to be repatriated to the U.S. The companies are hesitant to do that, however, given the 35% tax.