Summary: U.S. Markets are higher at midday as more poor economic data is blamed on the weather. Rockwell Global Capital Chief Market Economist Peter Cardillo says that consumer sentiment has not moved downward, which to him means that people accept the weather blame. In other words, not being able to get outside and shop doesn't mean they didn't want to shop. Cardillo also feels encouraged by the lack of spike in energy prices which normally accompanies cold weather. TheStreet's Debra Borchardt has details from the NYSE.
