The seasonality factor continues to play a big part in this market,

I think the record-high oil prices are still weighing on the market, ... Also, the Merck news is now spilling over to Pfizer, J&J and the blue chips.

The market is at or near the top of its trading range, ... So it would need to be a really strong (payrolls) number to get the market continued on its bullish ways. Right now, I just don't think that pattern is going to happen.

You're seeing a modest extension of the gains of this week, with areas that saw some selling recently, like energy, sort of bouncing back.

I think there's a sense that with oil prices as high as they are, that's carrying over to the consumer, which you're seeing in the retail sales.

I just don't see a whole lot out there that could push us a lot higher. The most positive thing we could see over the next few weeks would be for stocks to trade in a range.