It’s been a wild day that began with Pope Francis addressing the general assembly of the United Nations, then visiting Ground Zero.  Followed by the surprising resignation announcement from House Speak Boehner and the visit of China’s President Xi Jinping. Exogenous factors to the market have been clear and present.  But I think its comments from Fed chairman Yellen last night that’s kept the market buoyant today.   On that note, the rally isn’t very impressive as biotechnology has revered lower and most stocks are marking time from the opening quote.

In the meantime, the Baker Hughes oil rig count was off by 8 to 644 which is the slowest pace in a while, but still a reminder of a major crisis and drag on the stock market.  It’s also a reflection of a shaky global economy.

The University of Michigan released its final consumer index for September, which advanced from 85.7 to 87.2 which is down from 91.9 at the end of August.  Global concerns have not caused the US consumer to slow down on spending thanks to lower gas prices at the pump, a pickup in employment, and initial signs of wage gains.  According to Richard Curtin, chief economist at Michigan’s Survey of Consumers, “Consumers increasingly concluded that the stock market declines had more to do with international conditions than the domestic economy.”

The market acts like there will not be a government shutdown but it also is visibly in need of a spark and broad leadership.