April 20, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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Stocks were strong today, as all major indices saw gains. Leading the way were financials, with strong performances out of Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs Group.

Earnings are dominating headlines in the stock market, here are some names that reported today: Verizon Communications (VZ) -1.1%, Quest Diagnostics +6%, and Visa (V) +4.3%

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.75%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.39%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.19%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Jones Energy (JONE), which traded 97.5 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Chicos FAS (CHS), which traded 75.7 times normal option volume.

Here is what is left for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
21 April 2017- PMI Composite Flash 9:45 AM ET; Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
21 April 2017- GE, HON, COL, KSU, IPG, MAN, SLB, SWK, WBC

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April 18, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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All major indices sold off today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Averages performing the worst. Despite markets selling off, the VIX actually sold off, closing at 14.42– after hitting yearly highs last week.

Earnings are dominating headlines in the stock market, here are some names that reported today: Goldman Sachs (GS) -4.6%, W.W. Grainger (GWW) -11.4%, International Business Machines (IBM) -4.6%, and Yahoo (YHOO).

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.18%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.31%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.47%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Sysco Corp (SYY), which traded 4.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Equity Residential (EQR), which traded 2.3 times normal option volume.

Earnings will be the soup of the day for the rest of the week.

Key Economic Data:
19 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
20 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM
21 April 2017- PMI Composite Flash 9:45 AM ET; Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
18 April 2017- BAC, GNC, GS, HOG, JNJ, RF, SCHW, UNH, CAMP, IBKR, IBM, ISRG, LRCX, NAVI
19 April 2017- BLK, AMTD, HBAN, GPC, MS, TXT, USB, AXP, EBAY, QCOM, URI, VMI, CSX, CP
20 April 2017- BK, BX, DGX, DHI, NUE, PM, KEY, PPG, TRV, VZ, MAT, NCR
21 April 2017- GE, HON, COL, KSU, IPG, MAN, SLB, SWK, WBC

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April 16, 2017 The Week Ahead

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Stocks were sluggish over the 4-day trading week, as all major indices closed sharply lower.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -1.24%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.37%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) -1.01%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -1.24%

The VIX gained 24%, closing at the highest level we’ve seen year-to-date, at 15.96. Some market pundits are jumping for joy, calling this the return of volatility. However, it might be premature given that upcoming earnings will dictate where the market goes next.

That said, we’ll be hearing from the likes of: Netflix, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, American Express, Ebay, and General Electric– to name a few.

Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) +2.49%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.87%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +2.87%.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule:

Key Economic Data:
18 April 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET; Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
19 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
20 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM
21 April 2017- PMI Composite Flash 9:45 AM ET; Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
17 April 2017- NFLX, CUDA
18 April 2017- BAC, GNC, GS, HOG, JNJ, RF, SCHW, UNH, CAMP, IBKR, IBM, ISRG, LRCX, NAVI
19 April 2017- BLK, AMTD, HBAN, GPC, MS, TXT, USB, AXP, EBAY, QCOM, URI, VMI, CSX, CP
20 April 2017- BK, BX, DGX, DHI, NUE, PM, KEY, PPG, TRV, VZ, MAT, NCR
21 April 2017- GE, HON, COL, KSU, IPG, MAN, SLB, SWK, WBC

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April 13, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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All major indices sold off today, with the Russell 2000 being the most heavily hit, dropping over 1% on the day. That being said, earnings season popped off with three major banks releasing results: Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) -3.33% , JPMorgan Chase (JPM) -1.17% and Citigroup -0(C) -0.8%

Keep in mind, some of the major banks will be releasing earnings on Thursday. Until then, expect to see political headlines dominate the news. More specifically what’s been happening with Syria and relations with Russia.

Where is the VIX in today’s action?

The VIX closed at 15.96, the highest levels we’ve seen year to date. Maybe the market is bracing for more political headwind or expecting earnings to come in flat this quarter.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.18%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.31%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 0.48%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in DHT Holdings Inc. (DHT), which traded 10.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Oshkosh Corporation (OSK), which traded 44.8 times normal option volume.

The markets are closed tomorrow in preparation of the Easter holiday. However, there are some economic releases on Friday, you can check out the schedule below.


Key Economic Data
14 April 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM EST; Retail Sales 8:30 AM EST

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April 11, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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Stocks slipped lower today, with the Russell 2000 being the only major indice closing positive. With that said volumes were relatively low across the board. With the Easter holiday coming, it’s expected to see a slowdown as we only have two more trading days left in the week.

Keep in mind, some of the major banks will be releasing earnings on Thursday. Until then, expect to see political headlines dominate the news. More specifically what’s been happening with Syria and relations with Russia.

Where is the VIX in today’s action?

It appears that traders are finding more reason to hedge. Whether that’s anticipation of earnings, geopolitical risks increasing or domestic policies falling out of favor. That said, the VIX closed +7% higher, closing above 15, at 15.07.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +.27%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.95%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 1.45%.
On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in MSG Networks Inc (MSG), which traded 10.7 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Ambev SA (ABEV), which traded 161 times normal option volume.

Here is what else traders will be watching tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
12 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status 10:30 AM ET
13 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; PPI 8:30 AM ET
14 April 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM

Key Earnings:
12 April 2017- FAST, PIR
13 April 2017- APOG, C, JPM, WFC

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April 9, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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Most major indices sold off a little bit over the week, however; given the political headwinds (US launching missiles against Syria) it was a rather slow week of trading. Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.23%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.43%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.02%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -0.31%

The VIX did move higher on the week, closing at 12.87, a rise of 1.34 points from the previous Friday close.

ETF Performers: United States Oil Fund (USO) +3.01%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.21%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.62%.

The markets will be closed on Friday, in observance of Good Friday. However, earnings kick off on Thursday, which could bring some volatility into the markets. Companies that will be announcing on Thursday include the likes of Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.

Outside of that, this shortened week could be slow, with potential outliers coming from political and geopolitical headlines.

Check out the dates below for a detailed look at the weekly schedule.

Key Economic Data:
12 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status 10:30 AM ET
13 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; PPI 8:30 AM ET
14 April 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM

Key Earnings:
11 April 2017- OZRK
12 April 2017- FAST, PIR
13 April 2017- APOG, C, JPM, WFC

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April 6, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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After seeing some volatility in the market today, the market returned back to it’s slow grind higher. However, they did sell off some over the last 90 minutes of the day. Most of the selling came off some political headlines and FOMC policy plans.

Stocks in play today included: Plug Power (PLUG) -4.89%, Cleantech Solutions International (CLNT) +129.35%, and L Brands (LB) +11.02%

Where is the VIX in today’s action?

The VIX sold off today after rising nearly 10% yesterday, as it closed at 12.39.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.59%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.15%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.33%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Devon Energy (DVN), which traded times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Polaris Industries (PII), which traded 3.5 times normal option volume.

Here is what else traders will be watching tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
7 April 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
6 April 2017- FRED, LW, STZ, PSMT, RT

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March 30, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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After last week’s selling pressure, the markets are back to embracing the grind, the grind higher that is, as all major indices closed up higher. In terms of news, it was a relatively light day. However, we did get real GDP numbers, which came in at 2.1%

Where is the VIX in all of this?

The VIX is back below 12, closing at 11.54. With that said, fear has subsided a great deal since last week.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.93%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.81%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.72%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Manpower Group (MAN), which traded 9.2 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Omnicom Group (OMC), which traded 8.1 times normal option volume.

Tomorrow is the end of the quarter, which might create some added volatility.

Key Economic Data:
28 March 2017- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET
29 March 2017- Pending Home Sales Index 10:00 AM ET
30 March 2017- GDP 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
31 March 2017- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

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March 26, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets bounced back today after seeing some selling pressure over the last week. With that said, the sell off didn’t last that long, nor was it that intense.

After seeing the VIX hang out in the 14 area last week, we’re seeing it come back in. Today it closed at 11.53, a drop of nearly 8% today.

ETF Performers: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.10%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.67%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.43%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in ON Semiconductor (ON), which traded 4.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Scana Corporation (SCG), which traded 11.5 times normal option volume.

Some earnings results that traders paid attention too today included:

Carnival (CCL) +0.62%.Darden Restaurants (DRI) +9.3%, Factset Research (FDS) -5.7%, and Restoration Hardware (RH) +19.5%

Here is what is on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
29 March 2017- Pending Home Sales Index 10:00 AM ET
30 March 2017- GDP 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
31 March 2017- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
29 March 2017- PRGS, WRD, GEVO, OMN
30 March 2017- LNN, SNAK, TITN, EGLE, PRKR, UNXL

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March 26, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The week was dominated by politics and uncertainty. We saw some signs of volatility enter the market, the SPY closed the week down 1.34%. However, that wasn’t the worse, the Russell 2000 index was down nearly 3% on the week.

It all started when there were whispers that the new administration would not garner enough votes to get their new healthcare bill signed. In which was viewed as a setback to the Trump Administration, which in turn caused markets to sell off. If he is unable to execute on his policies, maybe the market has gotten too ahead of itself.

Where is the VIX in all of this?

The VIX showed some life during this week full of political drama. It closed the week at 12.96, hitting a high above 14 at one point during the week.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -2.32%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.89%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.60%.
Here is a list of some events that traders will be following during the week:

Key Economic Data:
28 March 2017- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET
29 March 2017- Pending Home Sales Index 10:00 AM ET
30 March 2017- GDP 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
31 March 2017- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
27 March 2017- GMRE, CALM, GII, RHT, DGLY, ZYNE
28 March 2017- CCL, DRI, FDS, GALT, HOME, OREX, MKC, OLLI, PLAY, PTX, RH, SONC, VRNT
29 March 2017- PRGS, WRD, GEVO, OMN
30 March 2017- LNN, SNAK, TITN, EGLE, PRKR, UNXL

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