It appears that it is the "Quite Period", the institutional money that can move markets does not want to scare the Asian markets that open on Sunday night in the U.S. or cause any panic to build up over the weekend. The questions about the economy have been tugging at the market. Inconsistent reports are a part of economic recoveries but the size of the problems like unemployment and housing have brought concerns that a recovery will stall.
Trading volume was light Friday in part because of a winter storm hitting the Northeast. Delayed or canceled buses, trains and flights made it harder for some traders to get to work.
Despite this investors(Retail)are also unwilling to make big moves ahead of economic reports next week. Most important, the Labor Department is expected to release its February payrolls report on Friday. Reports are also due on personal income and spending, manufacturing, construction spending and home sales.
