CASH COW

[WANG]

The Market Today
Provided by Schwab Center for Investment Research

Consumer sentiment rose to the highest level since late 2000 and General Electric (GE 7,9,10,11) offered favorable profit guidance, while Juniper Networks (JNPR 7) surpassed earnings expectations, boosting stocks for the eighth consecutive week. Adding to the positive tone, net foreign purchases of U.S. assets picked up, lifting the dollar, while Cree (CREE 7) beat the Street's profit estimates. In contrast, Home Depot (HD 7) offered a disappointing 2004 outlook and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ 7) was downgraded. Despite a weaker-than-expected rise in industrial production, Treasurys finished lower amid evidence of inventory rebuilding and the jump in consumer sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.4%, the S&P 500 Index was 0.7% higher and the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.5%. Networking and biotech shares paced the advancers, while retail issues led to the downside. On the Big Board 1.7 billion shares changed hands, while a relatively heavy 2.6 billion shares traded on the Nasdaq. For the week, the S&P 500 added 1.6%, the DJIA rose 1.4% and the Nasdaq climbed 2.6%.