The job market may be slowing, but manufacturing continues to contract, with ISM's Purchasing Managers' Index falling to 46.7. What's next for the economy?
Mixed economic data are marginally improving investor sentiment despite lackluster earnings reports following strong equity market gains yesterday. However, stocks are on track to close out October firmly in the red.
Stocks retreated last week despite mostly better-than-expected earnings results, with investors troubled by declines in year-over-year net profit margins and tepid earnings guidance.