Bad News for Economy Slows Corporate Earnings' Thunder

Last night it appeared that Dow's quest to exceed 12,000 and the S & P's to exceed 1,300 might be achieved today.  Corporate earnings reports were looking as if stocks might be propelled to those lofty milestones.  Although they were exceeded during the trading day, both quests fell short at the close.  Keep the champagne on ice.  Commodities like gold and oil sold off again today.  You wonder why that does not transfer to the rising prices we are paying at the pump.