September 18, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week more than 0.5% higher from last Friday. We recently snapped a two month period of no +/- 1% moves, which occurred last week. Well, this week alone we had 3 such moves. With that said, we’re sitting not too far off from our all-time highs with an FOMC meeting just around the corner. Many are expecting the Fed to sit tight and not make any changes to the key interest rate. However, heavy attention will be placed on Chairman Yellen’s press conference after the decision is made public.

Last week the VIX closed at 17.50, since then we have seen it cool off of late. The VIX on Friday closed at 15.37.

Crude oil futures prices cooled off on Friday, closing down nearly 2%, and giving up all of last’s week’s gains. Overall, crude oil futures prices closed the week more than 6% lower.

Moving on, gold futures prices lost a slight edge from the previous week, closing nearly 1.5% lower. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell about 0.70% on the week.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
20 Sep 2016- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET
21 Sep 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET; FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET; FOMC Forecasts 2:00 PM ET; Fed Chair Press Conference 2:30 PM ET
22 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 ET; Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
19 Sep 2016- ASNA
20 Sep 2016- LEN, PTN, ADBE, FDX, KBH
21 Sep 2016- KMX, GIS, JBL, RHT, SCS
22 Sep 2016- AZO, RAD, SCHL
23 Sep 2016- FINL

Key Conferences:
19 Sep 2016- Denver Gold Forum (runs till 9/21)
20 Sep 2016- Deutsche Bank Energy Summit (runs till 9/21); Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference (runs till 9/22)

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September 14, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 was not able to hold onto gains today, as it closed slightly lower. The market is relatively flat on the week as it awaits the highly anticipated FOMC announcement next week. One thing is for sure, we’re starting to see more volatility as witnessed by the surge in the VIX over the last four trading days.

Stocks in play today included: Herbalife (HLF) +3.9%, Apple (AAPL) +3.5%, and Monsanto (MON) +0.39%

The VIX caught a bid and is now trading above 18.

Crude oil futures prices are having a rough week thus far. They’re down nearly 6% on the week, and down about 3% today.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in LyondellBasell Industries (LYB), which traded 3.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Level 3 Communications (LVLT), which was 5.5 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow and Friday:

Key Economic Data:
15 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, PPI 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
16 Sep 2016- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
15 Sep 2016- ORCL

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September 11, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week on heavy selling, snapping a two month trading streak of nothing having a +/- 1% move. With that said, we’re still not that far off from all-time highs. There was not one single catalyst that caused Friday’s sell-off, so it will be interesting to see if this was a one off or if the selling pressure continues Sunday night when the futures start trading again.

With the S&P 500 getting crushed on Friday, the VIX absolutely exploded, moving nearly 40% higher and closing at 17.50.

Crude oil futures prices cooled off on Friday, closing down nearly 4%. However, it still closed more than 6% higher on the week.

Moving on, gold futures prices gained a slight edge from the previous week. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell about 2% on the week.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
14 Sep 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
15 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, PPI 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
16 Sep 2016- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
12 Sep 2016- UNFI, PSDV
14 Sep 2016- CBRL, APOG
15 Sep 2016- ORCL

Key Conferences:
12 Sep 2016- Barclays Global Financial Services Conference (runs till 9/14); Credit Suisse Global Steel & Mining Conference (runs till 9/13); Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference (runs till 9/14)
13 Sep 2016- Deutsche Bank Technology Conference (runs till 9/14)
14 Sep 2016- Credit Suisse Basic Materials Conference

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September 8, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed the day lower as volume is starting to slowly creep up. With that said, volatility has been virtually non-existent. We’ve more than 2 months worth of trading where S&P 500 has not had a +/- 1% move. As mentioned the other day, volatility should pick up as we near some catalysts later in the month.

Stocks in play today included: Western Refining Logistics (WNRL) -8%, Twitter (TWTR) -6%, Transocean (RIG) +5.4%, and Clovis Oncology (CLVS) +15%

The VIX caught a bid, however; it’s still trading below 13, and closing at 12.51.

Crude oil futures prices caught a bid today after a larger than expected drawdown in weekly inventory numbers. Crude oil futures are up over 9% during the last four trading sessions.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Dow Chemical (DOW), which traded 4.4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Accenture (ACN), which was 4.3 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Earnings:
9 Sep 2016- EROS, KR

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September 7, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively unchanged on above average volume. All eyes will be on the ECB tomorrow as domestically there isn’t much on the schedule this week. With that said, there is a ton of stuff scheduled for later this month. This includes an OPEC meeting, FOMC meeting, and the first presidential debate between Hillary and Donald.

Stocks in play today included: GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH) +21.7%, J.C. Penney (JCP) +5.9%, Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) +5.9%, and Sprouts Farmers Markets (SFM) -13.7%

The VIX didn’t move much, closing below 12, at 11.94.

Crude oil futures prices caught a bid today, and is now on a three-day winning streak. Over that period, crude futures have been up nearly 6%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH), which traded 10.4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Sonic Corporation (SONC), which was 5 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
8 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
8 Sep 2016- BKS, CONN, NAV, FNSR, VMEM, VNCE
9 Sep 2016- EROS, KR

Key Conferences:
Barclay’s CEO Energy-Power Conference (runs till 9/8); Barclay’s Global Consumer Staples Conference (runs till 9/8); Citigroup 2016 Global Technology Conference (runs till 9/8);
Apple Event Conference; Baird Global Healthcare Conference (runs til 9/8); Cowen Global Transportation Conference (runs till 9/8); Goldman Sachs Retail Conference (runs til 9/8); KBW Insurance Conference (runs till 9/8); RBC Capital Global Industrials Conference (runs till 9/8); Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference (runs till 9/8)

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September 5, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week slightly higher and sitting very close to all-time highs. With that said, we’ve got a short week ahead of us due to the Labor Day Holiday. There isn’t much on the schedule in terms of economic reports and earnings. However, September should heat up, we’ve got the first presidential debate, an OPEC meeting, and FOMC meeting to look forward too this month.

Based on the VIX close on Friday, there isn’t a whole lot of fear going into the week. The VIX dropped 11% and closed at 11.98.

Crude oil futures prices continued to cool off, dropping more than 5% on the week. Of course, all eyes and ears will be on the OPEC member comments as their meeting approaches.

Moving on, gold futures prices gained a slight edge from the previous week. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell about 1% on the week.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
8 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
6 Sep 2016- PLAY
7 Sep 2016- FRAN, HPE, TLRD, FCEL, GWRE
8 Sep 2016- BKS, CONN, NAV, FNSR, VMEM, VNCE
9 Sep 2016- EROS, KR

Key Conferences:
6 Sep 2016- Barclay’s CEO Energy-Power Conference (runs till 9/8); Barclay’s Global Consumer Staples Conference (runs till 9/8); Citigroup 2016 Global Technology Conference (runs till 9/8); Deutsche Bank Aircraft Finance & Leasing Conference (runs till 9/7).
7 Sep 2016- Apple Event Conference; Baird Global Healthcare Conference (runs til 9/8); Cowen Global Transportation Conference (runs till 9/8); Goldman Sachs Retail Conference (runs til 9/8); KBW Insurance Conference (runs till 9/8); RBC Capital Global Industrials Conference (runs till 9/8); Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference (runs till 9/8).

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September 1, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively unchanged on above average volume. All eyes will be on the employment situation numbers tomorrow. The consensus for nonfarm payrolls is 175,000 and unemployment rate of 4.8%. With that said, based on the straddle price for the SPY, the market is implying a .7% move (or $1.48).

Stocks in play today included: Genesco (GCO) -32.8%, Wynn Resorts (WYNN) +4.3%, Tesla Motors (TSLA) -5.3%, and Las Vegas Sands (LVS) +7.2%.

The VIX closed the day slightly higher at 13.48.

Crude oil futures prices have been on a four-day slide. Over that stretch, they’ve been down nearly 9%. Of course, all eyes and ears will be on the OPEC when they meet at an energy conference later in the month.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Teradata Corporation (TDC), which traded 2.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Starz (STRZA), which was 55.1 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
2 Sep 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

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August 30, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed lower today, on below average volume. It’s been nearly two months of trading without seeing a +/- 1% move in the market. Eventually, something has to give in what has been a painfully slow summer in terms of volume and volatility.

Stocks in play today included: Potash Corporation (POT) +12%, Agrium (AGU) +7%, The Hershey Company (HSY) -10.8%, and Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) -20.3%

The VIX closed the day slightly higher, closing above 13, at 13.12.

Crude oil futures bounced back a little from yesterday’s pullback, climbing more than 1% and closing above $47 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in NeoPhotonics Corporation (NPTN), which traded 4.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Ctrip (CTRP), which was 2.6 times normal options volume. Keep in mind, they have earnings tomorrow after the close.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow and the rest of the week:

Key Economic Data:
31 Aug 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM
1 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET.
2 Sep 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
31 Aug 2016- CHS, BLOX, BOBE, BOX, CRM, FIVE, SMTC
1 Sep 2016- CIEN, CPB, JOY, LULU, AMBA, AVGO, PAY, SWHC

Key Conferences:
Jefferies Semiconductor, Hardware, and Communications Conference (runs till 8/31)

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August 28, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week on a three day losing streak, however; volume has been below average and volatility has been virtually non-existent. With that said, we’re only about 1% off our highs. For the most part, traders have been focusing on stocks in the news versus what’s happening in the economy. At the moment, the medical space seems to be the most active. Heated arguments have been drawn up by politicians questioning their business practices. As the elections near, one could only imagine that volatility continues to pick up in the sector.

Now, the market was down about .6% on the week, however; that didn’t stop traders from buying protection. The VIX shot up during the week, closing at 13.65.

Crude oil futures prices cooled off this week, declining nearly 3%. OPEC is scheduled to meet late in September. Until then, traders will be monitoring any statements made before that meeting.

Moving on, gold futures prices fell 1.4%. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell more less than .5%.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
29 Aug 2016- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET
31 Aug 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM
1 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET.
2 Sep 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
29 Aug 2016- CTLT
30 Aug 2016- ANF, DSW, FRED, HRB, NCS, PANW, VEEV
31 Aug 2016- CHS, BLOX, BOBE, BOX, CRM, FIVE, SMTC
1 Sep 2016- CIEN, CPB, JOY, LULU, AMBA, AVGO, PAY, SWHC

Key Conferences:
30 Aug 2016- Jefferies Semiconductor, Hardware, and Communications Conference (runs till 8/31); Longbow Industrial Manufacturing & Technology Conference (runs till 8/30)

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August 25 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively flat, but still down on the day. A lot of attention has been in medical stocks, as politicians are criticising their business model and even accusing them of using aggressive and unethical pricing methods on drugs. However, attention should focus back to the Jackson Hole meeting, as Fed Chairperson Yellen is set to give a speech. In addition, GDP numbers will be released before the start of the US session.

Stocks in play today include: Dollar General (DG) -17.6%, Signet Jewelers (SIG) -12.6%, St. Jude Medical (STJ) -4.96%, and Mylan (MYL) -.70%

Over the last couple of trading sessions we’ve seen a slight bid in the VIX, closing higher for the second straight day at 13.63.

Crude oil futures bounced back a little from yesterday’s pullback, climbing more than 1% and closing above $47 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Salesforce COM (CRM), which traded 2.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in St Jude Medical (STJ) 60 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
26 Aug 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
26 Aug 2016- BIG

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