Good Morning and Happy Friday 13th... First, we had US payroll figures up 295,000 and the US market drops 330 points..... Now..

Good Morning and Happy Friday 13th... First, we had US payroll figures up 295,000 and the US market drops 330 points..... Now... we have falling retail sales, and the US market rallies 260 points..... Go figure? It appears that the market is actually being driven by bad news....... As this bolsters the case for keeping interest rates low. US banks added at least 3.1 per cent as they announced dividend payments and details on share buybacks. US Retail Sales - Chart (see attached) In AUS, better than expected payrolls figures boosted our market yesterday... As a reminder, for those interested in taking part in the OTHER LEVELS IPO, the offer will close mid next week so please let me know to ensure that you are allocated stock... The following stocks will trade ex-dividend today: Adelaide Brighton, Cash Converters, Cryosite, Data#3, Desane Group, Fantastic Holdings, Grange Resources, Nuplex Industries, Reece Australia, Service Stream, Spotless Group, Tassal Commodities were weaker last night with Crude oil down 2.37% to $47.03/barrel, Gold down to $1,150/oz. and the AUD/USD is back to $0.77 The SPI is pointing to a 16 point rise this morning.