Jack Ablin

I would infer from the statement that the Fed is somewhat more sanguine on the economic recovery. Perhaps they believe read more

I would infer from the statement that the Fed is somewhat more sanguine on the economic recovery. Perhaps they believe that $55 oil prices are, at least for the time being, something of the past and that jobs are just improving at a moderate pace.

Any bad news can throw us, and the jobs report was perceived as bad news, seen as a sign that read more

Any bad news can throw us, and the jobs report was perceived as bad news, seen as a sign that the recovery is fragile, but that's not necessarily true. In the last two recessions, a pickup in employment only happened a year after the recession had ended. So just because unemployment is higher doesn't mean we're not on track for a recovery.

This deal makes sense for both companies. Bank of New York has been expanding in the custodial business and doing read more

This deal makes sense for both companies. Bank of New York has been expanding in the custodial business and doing a fine job. This shift out of distribution is an ideal fit for J.P. Morgan.

People are taking some comfort in results and a feeling that the economy is getting better, but there's still some read more

People are taking some comfort in results and a feeling that the economy is getting better, but there's still some caution. We need to see more evidence of a sustainable recovery. We need companies to start seeing profits more through top-line growth than just cost-cutting measures.

Right now, we have this positive confluence of earnings and economic news that has been propelling the market.

Right now, we have this positive confluence of earnings and economic news that has been propelling the market.