The brass ring is certainly within reach as the Dow inches closer to 20,000. US equities continue to gain tremendous value, today coming within 13 points of that elusive number on an intraday basis.

With the Christmas holiday, just days away, and New Year’s just around the corner, I am amazed at how quickly this year has passed. I am even more amazed at the events that have unfolded over this last year.

This week, traders and investors certainly had a multitude of new stories to focus upon. They also have a lot to digest when it comes to how these events will affect the markets.