U.S. stocks rallied for a second straight session on Monday, with the Dow gaining more than eight-tenths of a percent, the S&P 500 adding more than six-tenths and the Nasdaq climbing three-tenths of a percent.
Corporate earnings, economic reports and Fed speakers could all challenge markets in the week ahead, but traders will be on guard for the latest catalyst — the potential bombshells coming from the presidential election.
Stocks could stay on an upward trajectory for the time being, while bruised bears sniff out the next trouble spot for markets.
If ever there was a pivotal moment for financial markets, this could be it: The United States defaults and investors face the great unknown, or it doesn't and one of 2011's key risks is removed.