ZLBT Morning Views : Dow Halts 3-Day Decline;

DJIA shrugged off unimpressive domestic data in favor of France's Fiscal Olive Branch
U.S. stocks powered higher today, as the Street shrugged off unimpressive domestic data in favor of encouraging signs from overseas. Specifically, France helped ease investors' anxiety ahead of a key round of parliamentary votes in Athens, with French banks offering to accept slower repayment of Greek loans -- putting more distance between the cash-strapped country and a debt default. On the home front, meanwhile, leaner-than-expected capital rules translated into a boon for a few banking names, while cloud-related hype surrounding Microsoft (MSFT) provided the tech sector -- and the blue chips -- with a halo lift. Against this backdrop, the bulls took a disappointing report on consumer spending and incomes with a grain of salt, with all three major market indexes notching respectable gains by the close.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA – 12,043.56) tacked on almost 109 points, or 0.9%, effectively snapping its three-session losing streak. Only four of the Dow's 30 blue chips ended in the red, led by DuPont's (DD) 0.4% retreat. On the flip side, Microsoft paced the bullish majority with a gain of 3.7%. While the blue-chip barometer climbed back atop the 12,000 marker, the index's upward momentum stalled in the 12,100 neighborhood -- home to its 20-day moving average.

In similar fashion, the S&P 500 Index (SPX – 1,280.10) added about 11.7 points, or 0.9%, by the time the dust settled. Finally, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP – 2,688.28) outpaced its peers, advancing 35.4 points, or 1.3%, to end north of its 20-day moving average for just the second time since mid-May.

Black Gold @ 4-month Low
Crude futures finished moderately lower today, thanks to concerns of ebbing demand stemming from a dip in consumer spending. Nevertheless, black gold's losses were limited courtesy of an ailing greenback, which kept holders of foreign currencies off the proverbial sidelines. By the close, crude oil for August delivery shed 55 cents, or 0.6%, to end at $90.61 per barrel -- a new four-month low.

HAPPY TRADING & GOODLUCK2ALL