More M&A & Data

Good morning. More M&A deals (see HLT, HUN, KO) top this morning's headlines along with two employment reports ahead of Friday's jobs report. The ADP employment report showed the fastest job growth rate in seven months while a report on initial jobless claims came in slightly higher than expected. Oil prices are up ahead of today's weekly inventories data due at 10:30 and the ISM Non-manufacturing Survey will be released at 10:AM.

The market has put in an impressive performance this week along with the start of the month and new quarter. This is inline with historical trends where the first half of July tends to be stronger than the second half as earnings season gets started. More low-volume trading is expected for the day as many remain on vacation. Have a good one!