This Week's Economic Calendar

With second quarter earnings seasons at an end, it will be economic data that will drive the market. The economic line-up this week starts with the ADP Employment Report in the US on Wednesday, along with construction spending and the ISM Manufacturing Index. On Thursday we have productivity, pending home sales and factory orders in the US, and the European Central Bank policy announcement. Finally on Friday, we have the employment report and the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index in the US.

Looking at historical seasonal patterns, September has not been a good month for the markets, in fact it may be the worst. There are many reasons for this including tax-loss selling and 'cleaning house' before quarter end. Places to hide are energy, health care, utilities and telecommunications.

There is an interesting article by financial writer, Dian Chu, and posted on AdvisorAnalyst.com about M&A withing the technology sector. Bottom line - we could see some mega mergers in the near future. To read the article visit AdvisorAnalyst.com.

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