The markets started the holiday shortened week trading to the downside. The Dow 30 closed lower on the day by 301, the S&P 500 closed down 37, and the Nasdaq 100 lost 136 on the day. This week is a big week for earnings as the 4th quarter reporting season ramps up.

Sector News

Healthcare was lower today following a nearly 12% rally from the December lows. Investors were content to slow their buying spree following such a sharp and quick rally. For the year the sector is higher by about 3%

Homebuilders sold off today as well following a slowdown in existing home sales as well as a share slowing in price increases. The homebuilding sector has struggled to trade above these highs but analysts have become more vocal lately about signs that housing markets may have bottomed. Stable interest rates along with last weeks strong uptick in the number of people applying for home loans are some of the driving factors.

Stock News

Ebay (EBAY  ) shares were sharply higher today as investment company, Elliott Management announced 4% stake in company. The stake announcement has analysts excited about the possibilities of a plan to end trend of underperformance.

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK  ) shares were sharply lower despite showing earning that were just better than expected (2.11 vs. 2.10) with revenues that were basically as expected. The move lower came after the company lowered their forward guidance. Shares have traded back and forth in a very wide range since late October.

Haliburton (HAL  ) shares were lower on the day after the company reported earnings that were better than expected along with revenue, but North American expectations were lower than expected and showed slowing. Shares have been under pressure recently with the strong pullback in the price of oil. Halliburton shares are lower by about 40% over the last year.