Needless to say, the Federal debt ceiling issue is now dominating the news wires, and although investors have so far been confident that some deal would be reached, the late hour is starting to spook some. After being given a glimmer of hope last week, we learned after last Friday’s close that the debt debates had fallen apart, leaving investors squirming about what this critical week ahead of us would bring.

As the market has shown renewed strength, Technology and Energy have been leaders. Apple (AAPL) gave a stellar earnings report and hit another record high. IBM (IBM) also chipped in this week with a great report. However, Yahoo!

Utilities and Healthcare are trying to hold up the market this week as Financial, Industrial, Basic Materials, and Technology have led the way down. There appears to be little optimism for the banks, given the worsening housing market and imminent end of QE2 (no more free money). Ciena (CIEN) and SINA (SINA) were big losers in Tech-land today. But it is beaten-down Technology that is rising in Sabrient’s SectorCast rankings. 

Basic Materials and Energy have been the leading sectors so far this week, as the overall market continues to seek support, as well as leadership for moving higher. But the dollar seems determined to spoil the party.