April 3, 2016 The Week Ahead

The S&P 500 finished the week off on year-to-date highs. That’s more than 250 points higher than the February 11 lows. Even more impressive, the Nasdaq is up more than 14% from those February 11 lows.

The VIX closed the week at 13.10. These are clearly the lowest levels of the year. The belief is that the Fed may not be in a rush to raise interest rates, given global uncertainty. We should get a clearer picture after the FOMC minutes are released.

Crude oil finished the week lower, dislocating from equities, as they dropped more than 5% on the week. A couple weeks ago they were trading above $40 per barrel, however; they’re currently trading around $36.40.

Here’s what’s on tap for this week coming up…

Key Economic Data:
5 April 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET
6 April 2016- EIA Petroleum Report 10:30 AM ET, FOMC Minutes 2:00 PM ET
7 April 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
5 April 2016- WBA, DRI
6 April 2016- GPN, MON, STZ, APOG, APOL, BBBY
7 April 2016- CAG, KMX, RAD

Key Events:
5 April 2016- 2016 Healthcare Back-to-Basics Forum, 2016 MRO Americas Conference (runs till 4/7)
7 April 2016- Cowen 2nd Annual Retail & Luxury Day