Stocks Spring Forward, With Trepidation

The market had daylight-savings jet lag Monday. But a subdued mood was just as well, as there wasn't much to energize traders but sunnier weather.

There was a flurry of merger and acquisition activity, which is always a bullish sign. But M&A news was countered by news of default notices for subprime problem child New Century Financial(NEW Quote).

Stock market volume was weak, as traders braced for a week chock full of clues on the market's and the economy's direction. Tuesday's report of February retail sales and Goldman Sachs'(GS Quote) kickoff to brokerages' earnings season could provide a kiss of death or a confidence boost. ...