The markets look to break the recent span of higher finishes with a whimper this holiday-shortened week.

The last few weeks we’ve focused on company news and stories other than those that are economic in nature.

Each of the three major indices eked out small gains this week, marking the fourth week of consecutively higher finishes.

The debt ceiling default has been averted, the economy appears to be running on all cylinders, inflation is on the decline, and the markets are once again headed in the right direction.

It was an active week that saw mostly upside as news of a potential debt ceiling deal was in the works.

The markets continued lower this week as debt ceiling negotiations stalled and news outlets chose to spark fear over the dire consequence of a U.S. debt default.

The markets gave up a little ground this week although ended on a high note.

This week was all about earnings announcements and with few exceptions, they were much better than expected.

I have so much to report this week but such limited space in this weekly update.

With news about the banking issues subsiding, the markets had an opportunity to gain some traction this week.