Traders Take Breath Before Earnings Season

After days of setting new records stocks were slightly down today as traders await another full round of earnings reports.  Traditionally Alcoa is the  first company to report.  With housing starts usually strong this time of year, Alcoa should have good news for investors.  Coincidentally reports on housing starts and building permits should be out later this week.  Difficulty in hiring has had the effect of raising wages slightly.  The Dow lost 9 points on the day.