June 28, 2015 The Week Ahead

The S&P 500 ended Friday’s action sitting right below it’s yearly highs. That’s pretty impressive given the recent headline risk coming out of Europe and China.

Over the weekend, fears increased that Greece and the ECB would not be able to come up with a resolution. In fact, there are early Sunday reports stating that Greek Banks and their stock exchange will be shut down on Monday.

It’s worth watching how the futures open up this evening. This has the potential to cause a spike in market volatility. Especially, since we are not expecting a lot of volume in the markets, as Friday, we’re closed in honor of Independence Day.

The VIX is slightly above the 14 level as of Friday’s close.

Crude Oil futures finished the week at their lows; closing right below $60 per barrel.

It’s a very light schedule in respect to economic numbers and earnings. In addition, it’s a shortened week. However, the headline risk out of Europe should make things exciting.

Here’s what’s on the schedule:

Key Economic Data:
1 JULY 2015- ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET
2 JULY 2015- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
29 JUNE 2015- APOL
30 JUNE 2015- CAG, CAMP
1 JULY 2015- GIS, STZ

June 25, 2015 Market Wrap Up

The S&P 500 was relatively weak today; however, the market is still in limbo, waiting for a resolution to come out of Greece. Any hints of a resolution pushes the market higher, while any talks that a deal is farther apart, pushes the market lower.

The VIX is now above $14, closing the day at 14.11, an increase of nearly 6.5%.

In respect to energy, The United States Oil Fund was trading lower, closing at 19.98, which was good for a 1% drop.

On the options front, we saw bullish call buying in Foot Locker Inc (FL) and Deere & Co (DE). On the bearish side of options, we saw put buyers step in Illumina Inc (ILMN).

Here’s what’s left on the schedule for tomorrow:

Be aware that we might see a lot of action near the close , due to the Russell rebalance.

Key Economic Data:
25 June 2015- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM EST, Personal Income & Outlays 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
26 JUNE 2015- CAG, FINL

June 23, 2015 Market Wrap Up

The S&P 500 was relatively flat today; however, its relatively maintaining all-time high levels in several of the indices.

The market is still awaiting positive news out of Greece. Right now, it appears that a debt deal will happen sooner than later.

The VIX is now below 12.50, closing the day at 12.11, a decline of nearly 5%.

In respect to energy, The United States Oil Fund was trading up, closing at 20.47, which was good for a gain of 1.6%

On the options front, we saw bullish call buying in Cheniere Energy Inc (LNG) and Ally Financial Inc (ALLY). On the bearish side of options, we saw put buyers step into LHC Group (LHCG).

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June 21, 2015 The Week Ahead

Now, the S&P 500 ended Friday’s action on a weak note. However, it was up on the week, and still very near all-time highs.

Recent attention has been on China, as the Shanghai Index sold off more than 6% this week. If a continued sell-off occurs that could have implications on global markets.

In addition, the market is still waiting on what the resolution/outcome on Greece will be.

The VIX is slightly below the 14 level; however, on Friday, we did see it nearly gain 6% and close at 13.96.

Crude Oil futures prices barely changed this week; closing right below $60 per barrel.

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