After closing 2011 at exactly the same level it closed out 2010, the S&P 500 came blasting out of the gate with guns a-blazing on Tuesday to celebrate the New Year. It was a welcome sight to scores of nervous investors.

Bulls are trying mightily to ensure the Santa rally holds into year-end and close the year in the positive, as all eyes remain on Europe.

Like the nice employer who never fails to pay a Christmas bonus every year, Santa seems bound and determined to give bulls the year-end rally they have come to expect. But bears aren’t going away quietly—although bulls got some unintended help from the bears with Tuesday’s short-covering-fueled rally.

Bah! Humbug!

By David Brown, Chief Market Strategist, Sabrient Systems

After a nice pop last Friday and an aborted attempt to get it going again on Tuesday, stocks were down 3% for the week through Wednesday. Among the ten U.S. sector iShares, Energy (IYE) and Basic Materials (IYM) have led the market down this week. The “risk-off” movement has sent investors into the safety of the dollar and Treasuries at the expense of stocks and commodities.

The Cause of Monday’s Sell-Off

By David Brown, Chief Market Strategist, Sabrient Systems

On a Wing and a Prayer

By David Brown, Chief Market Strategist, Sabrient Systems

The Guggenheim Insider Sentiment ETF (NFO) -- which is based on the Sabrient Insider Sentiment Index --  has beat the market since its  inception in 2006.  This article from TheStreet.com (originally published at Insider Monkey) tells you why . . .