(By Rich Bieglmeier) Two out of the way one major news story left to move the market. On Wednesday, Germany's highest court ruled that participating in the European Bailout Fund does not violate the country's constitution; however, the eight judges say parliament should have the right to veto any amount above the $190 billion euros already committed.
Yeah, yeah, we will see about that. I promise to limit my Oreo commitment to three when I first open the bag. Somehow, it never, ever, works out that way, despite the Mrs.' veto power.
A little later Wednesday, Apple (
AAPL) unveiled the iPhone 5. It's a little bigger, faster, takes better pictures, and the battery will last longer this time.
We'll have more on AAPL a little later today; make sure you check back as we will see just how much the internet is buzzing about the new smartphone.
The news of this day is going to be the Federal Reserve and their decision to ease or not. The latest rumor is that Ben Bernanke and the Inkjets will unleash an opened ended QE3 that's tied to some if/then triggers. If this or that happens or doesn't happen, then the free, digitized money flows.
iStock feels the market may have forced Bernanke's hand. Stocks have risen smartly since the June 4th low based on quantitative hype/hope. If the chairman fails to deliver, once again, Wall Street could go ballistic on stocks in retaliation.
Before the bell, Jobless Claims and the Producer Price Index (PPI) will be released. Those polled believe 370,000 people will have filed for first time claims last week. With the Labor Day holiday, we suspect the number will be light and lower than the consensus; however, the previous week's result is likely to be revised higher by a few thousand.
A big jump in PPI is on tap if economists are correct. The consensus is for a 1.4% increase in producer prices. The rise is a result of higher feed prices due to the drought and a spike in fuel costs.
It could give Ben Bernanke some pause if inflation is running too hot. Throwing elixir on smoldering coals could be playing with fire.
Meanwhile, the indexes face the same dilemma that started the week, waiting to see if the NASDAQ, Dow, and S&P can race out to new highs together or U-turn at resistance once again.
See you tomorrow with our iEstimates and our thoughts on the Fed's choice.
Happy Trading.