Q1 earnings start today, with Alcoa (NYSE: AA ) reporting after the close, and some analysts have been saying that comparisons with last year's results could be difficult. On Friday, investors seemed more focused on the federal government's budget negotiations and on upcoming Q1 earnings than on buying or selling stocks. Despite the steep angle of advance seen with silver and other commodities, these groups continue to offer investors the best opportunity for near-term success due to their ability to offset the possible future inflationary trend referred discusses by the Fed at their recent FOMC meeting.