Stocks End Week on Bearish Note as Mideast Tensions Spike VIX

The stock market rally sent mixed signals this past week, ending on a bearish note with the Dow and Russell 2000 below 50-day lines.
The CBOE Volatility Index spiked Friday to its highest level since October on Iran attack fears, raising the risk of a much bigger Mideast conflict.
Key earnings next week include Goldman Sachs, Charles Schwab, ASML, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Nvidia suppliers. Their results will have big implications.
The Nasdaq edged up slightly last week but growth stocks retreated Friday. Investors need to recognize the market break and respond accordingly.
Mideast tensions are a wild card. If they ease there could be a snapback rally, but a direct conflict could trigger a much larger fear spike.