Five For Five: Stocks Try To Continue Winning Streak, But Yields, Crude Could Signal Inflation Fears

Five For Five: Stocks Try To Continue Winning Streak, But Yields, Crude Could Signal Inflation Fears

Key Takeaways:

Wall Street has a tough act to follow, and that's not a reference to last night's game. Stocks rose every day last week, which is hard to pull off twice in a row.

What could break the five-day winning streak? Well, you've got a lot of things that almost feel like they're pointing toward inflation. For instance, the 10-year yield has been galloping along, recently reaching almost 1.2%. That's up nearly 20 basis points from late January, but still historically low. Rising yields can signal improving economic conditions and hopes for more fiscal stimulus, but also might get some people nervous about inflation prospects.

Crude prices are also accelerating, which is nice if you're an Energy sector investor but not so great if you're an airline still dealing with weak travel demand. Now your jet fuel costs are also rising. Meanwhile, you may have noticed you're paying more at the pump. Gas prices hit $3 a gallon in some places over the weekend. Crude powered through $57 a barrel early Monday.

Volatility keeps easing, with the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) now approaching the lower end of its long-term range down near 20. This is a level the VIX hasn't been below in