9:49 AM

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Possible pullback, high oil raise risks

Addison Ray

NEW YORK | Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:49am EST

NEW YORK (Reuters) - On Wall Street they wonder: Was that it? Is the pullback over?

Following the S&P 500's worst week in 15, investors are trying to determine whether the predictions of a correction have been fulfilled or if there's still downside ahead as oil prices remain at elevated levels.

Along with the direction of oil, potential market movers for traders will be the February payrolls report, which will be released on Friday, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech on Tuesday.

The benchmark S&P index fell 1.7 percent in the week, a relatively mild pullback for an index that has gained more than 25 percent since the start of September.

"We were looking for a pullback of at least 5 percent and we didn't get it, so I don't think we can expect a lot of new entrants at these levels," said Leo Grohowski, who oversees about $166 billion in assets as chief investment officer at BNY Mellon Wealth Management in New York.

"With the gains we've had, and since tensions remain high in the Middle East, I don't expect to see aggressive buying on the dip this time around," Grohowski said.

A lack of new entrants could mean lighter volume, which could leave the market more susceptible to increased volatility. Lately, volume has been stronger on down days in the market.

"RISKIER" ENVIRONMENT

An unexpected surge in crude prices, sparked by Libya's popular uprising, pressured equities for much of the holiday-shortened week on concern that higher energy costs could stifle economic activity.

U.S. crude futures spiked as much as 20 percent during the week to a high of $103.41 per barrel, though they later fell below $100. The CBOE Volatility Index VIX .VIX rose 17 percent this week and at one point was up 30 percent.

Though many say the market remains overstretched, its resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and some disappointing data has some encouraged.

Judy Moses, portfolio manager at Evercore Wealth Management in San Francisco, said that the week's drop had quieted some of the calls for consolidation.

"Had we not seen this pullback, our enthusiasm would be a little tapered because valuations would be fuller," she said. "But it does seem that in general the investment environment is a bit riskier now."

S&P MEETS KEY LEVEL

The S&P faces few technical hurdles before it reaches 1,360, and this week it seemed to find support at 1,300. Grohowski said it was "very important, psychologically, that we closed above that level on Wednesday and Thursday."



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6:20 AM

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Warren Buffett says on the hunt for deals

Addison Ray

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