Low interest rates, and in the headlines risk continued to fall, combined with very strong corporate earnings pushed the market higher. All market corrections, which have been both short and shallow, were met with the buying of equities; although the trading volume remains on the low side. The dollar continued to strengthen and the Federal Reserve gave no indication of an interest rate hike. All this continues to indicate a green light for the stock market. Many money managers remain very skeptical of this rally which means that the momentum will probably continue to the upside. Global interdependence put short term downside pressure on the US market; although should be used as an opportunity to find value. History has taught us that a great year in the market is usually followed by an average year in terms of investment returns. Important areas to watch include: jobs, personal savings rates, consumer spending, international terror risk, housing, and credit/lending. All these areas can affect corporate earnings which in the end drive stock prices. The S&P 500 Index was at 1270 before the financial crisis officially began with the fall of Lehman Brothers. The market may well correct up to 10 percent off this recent rally, although since a catastrophe has been avoided, it would not seem out of line for the market to return to this level by year end.