All over the developed world, governments are getting a death grip on their economies, taking control of vital industries and increasing the state's share of GDP.

The stock market indices ended the week on a down note on options expiration day.

Dr. Adrian Manz analyzes the major markets, stock sectors, and individual stocks for March 19.

Dave Landry takes a one-minute look at the stock market in his video for March 19.

Today is quarterly "quadruple witching" options expiration, the day on which contracts for stock index futures, stock index options, stock options, and single stock futures (SSF) simultaneously expire. Because traders are focused on moving stocks to close near their preferred strike prices, quadruple witching days are typically erratic and choppy, especially in the late afternoon.

The IWM proxy chart for the Russell 2000 index indicates that the momentum which has propelled this index during the last four weeks appears to be topping out.

In the US, producer prices fell in February, more than expected. Core inflation was barely positive. That is not just a US trend.

The stock market indices edged higher today, but ended mixed with the Nasdaq 100 and Dow making new rally highs. The S&P 500 and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOXX) trailed.

Download Adrian Manz's Around The Horn Intraday Trading Plan PDF for March 18.

Dr. Adrian Manz analyzes the major markets, stock sectors, and individual stocks for March 18.