The Market On Friday

  Good morning. It is 23 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We might even get above freezing today and tomorrow and then it's back to the super cold stuff. Well we are in the middle of Winter. I don't like the crust of ice all over the backyard, I can't play catch with the new dog as she'd go flying and tear up a leg or something. We see that the Saudi king has passed away. As I am not a fan of Saudi culture and especially Saudi social policy, law, and justice, I would have to say I hope his passing somehow helps redefine that culture in a better, more humane way.

  At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the flat area.

  The death of the Saudi king is a big deal with Saudi Arabia still the world's top oil producer. No doubt all will get worked out over the next period. Right now oil is floating between $45 and $50 a barrel and at that price the oil boom in the Dakotas is already starting to close up shop. That price does not support the desired profit level.

CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open

"I think that given the dramatic drop in oil prices, the Saudis might be taking a closer look at their options but if a change is made, it will likely be a function of economics, not because of the change in leadership..."