I've decided to keep a running blog of the financial markets. We've seen quite a topsy-turvy week, and I thought it would be best to mark down this information for posterity's sake.

Monday, December 3^rd

The Dow Jones industrials average fell 57 points as weakness in the financial and technology markets hindered growth. Notwithstanding, Activision rose 13% on news that it would sell a majority interest to Vivendi. Investors were also concerned that they didn't know anything about a rescue plan for the mortgage market. Use of passive verbs also subjected investors to uncertainty.

Tuesday, December 4^th

The Dow Jones slipped 66 points even though there was news that the Federal Reserve would soon cut interest rates. Investors were worried about how much they would be cut, although everyone agreed that cutting the rate at all would be a good thing. The market was also hurt because Southwest Airlines reported that it would grow its business next year, but only by 5%, not 6% as previously reported. Regardless, Southwest shares still rose .5%.

Wednesday, December 5^th

The Down Jones jumped 196 points despite news that crude oil dipped below $88 a barrel. The biggest driver of the market was news that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates again, and that the federal government would help the economy pull out of the sub-prime mortgage debacle. All reports indicate that the sooner retailers start celebrating Christmas, the sooner the holiday stock market rally can begin. Look for holiday decorations in the stores around Grandparents' Day next year.

Thursday, December 6^th

The Dow Jones jumped 175 points in spite of news that the government would bail out homeowners affected by the mortgage crisis. There was widespread skepticism that the bailout plan, which President Bush dubbed "not a bailout plan" because no buckets were being used, would be effective. The Dow also increased despite crude oil jumping to over $90 a barrel.

Okay, okay, the information I provide is mostly factual. There are omissions that skewer one's ability to determine why the Dow went up or down, but all the information I provide figured prominently in the market reports for the day. More important, actual market reports, which have a lot more information, provide mixed signals in the exact way my notes above do. Everything's relative, I suppose, but not everything's rational.