The markets are putting in a solid performance today, with the Dow up almost 400 points (+1.75%) the Nasdaq 205 points (+2.72%), and the S&P500 60 points (+2.24%). The S&P is about 30 points away from breaking through resistance of 2,630. News that Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) could be ready to go to a clinical trial with a Covid-19 vaccine in September, and that Abbott Labs (ABT) is launching a five-minute Covid-19 test, has given a boost to Healthcare. as well as the overall markets, and all S&P sectors are in the green.  

Advancers are leading decliners in issues, but new lows are still eclipsing new highs, and down volume is higher than up volume.

WTI crude is continuing its descent, down 5.6% to $20.31/bbl.  The U.S. Treasury benchmark 10-yr yield is down 12 basis points to 0.63%. While, the greenback is once again exhibiting strength, with the index up 0.9% to 99.23.  

On the economic front, Pending Home Sales for February increased 2.4%, following an upwardly revised 5.3% in January (from 5.2%). The numbers top analysts’ estimates.