December 29, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The markets closed relatively flat today on on lower than average trading volume. With that said, only one more trading day left on the year. The only drama remains is if the Dow Jones Industrial Average will hit 20k by the end of the year. With that said, we’ll need a pretty decent rally to get there, the Dow 30 closed at 19,819.78 today.

Even though trading volume was relatively low, we did see a bid in the VIX, as it closed at 13.37, a rise of 3.24%.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.34%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.35%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.30%.

Stocks in play today included: Nvidia (NVDA) +2.00%, Silver Wheaton Corp (SLW) +9.42%, and Cempra, Inc. (CEMP) -57.38%

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in American Capital (ACAS), which traded 31.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Mattersight Corporation (MATR), which saw 137 times normal options volume.

There are no major economic events or earnings tomorrow. However, we do want to wish you a very healthy prosperous and healthy new years! If you’re still looking for ways to improve your trading in 2017, make sure to check out our courses, they were created by experienced and respected industry leaders.

December 28, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The markets sold off today on below average trading volume. With that said, there isn’t much left on the schedule for the final two days of trading. The only drama really left is if the Dow Jones Industrial Average will breaking 20k.

Even though trading volume was relatively low, we did see a bidin the VIX, as it closed at 12.95, a rise of 8%.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.17%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.73%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.28%.

Stocks in play today included: Nvidia (NVDA) -6.88% and Weis Markets (WMK) +11.67%, Kate Spade & Co. (KATE) +23%

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Kate Spade & Co. (KATE), which traded 9.0 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in PC Tel (PCTI), which saw 38.4 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
29 Dec 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET

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December 26, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Russell 2000, and Nasdaq all managed to close the week higher. Keep in mind, volume was especially light due to the holidays. The only real question left: Will the Dow Jones Industrial Average close above 20k? It’s right there, on Friday, it closed at 19,933.81.

No surprise, with the VIX closing at 11.44 on Friday. As we enter the lightest schedule of the entire year. With just four trading days left, there are no major earnings to report or major economic announcements.

Equities are not the only market enjoying 52- week highs. In fact, crude oil futures prices finished near their 52-week highs on Friday.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.09%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.04%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.11%.

We hope everyone has been enjoying their holidays and with only four trading days left on the year, this is a great time to take a step back and review your trading. Ask yourself, what you’ve could have done to improve and what steps you’ll take to do it in 2017. If you feel like you’ve got weaknesses in your game, we’re here to help. With that said, we encourage you to check out our trading courses here.

The economic events for the week include:

Key Economic Data:
29 Dec 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET

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December 20, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The markets continued to push higher today as it seems almost inevitable that this will be the path we take up until the end of the year. The only drama at the moment is if and when the Dow Jones Industrials close above the 20k mark. At the close of the day, the Dow Jones Industrials closed at 19,974, close, but no cigar.

Judging by the VIX, there isn’t much fear at the moment, it closed below 12, at 11.45.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.04%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.50%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -.74%.

Stocks in play today included: Rite Aid (RAD) +5.39% and Fred’s, Inc. (FRED) +81.08%.

It was announced early in the morning that Fred’s would be buying 865 stores from Rite Aid at what many market participants viewed as a deal. In addition, this likely eliminates antitrust issues facing the Walgreens purchase of Rite Aid.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Webster Financial Corporation (WBS), which traded 19.2 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Endurance International Group Holdings (EIGI), which saw 153 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
21 Dec 2016- Existing Home Sales 10:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
22 Dec 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, GDP 8:30 AM ET, Philly Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Personal Income and Outlays 10:00 AM ET
23 Dec 2016- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
19 Dec 2016- LEN
20 Dec 2016- BBRY, CCL, DRI, FDS, GIS, KMX, NAV, FDX, NKE, SCS
21 Dec 2016- ACN, FINL, LNN, PAYX, CAMP, BBBY, MU, RHT
22 Dec 2016- CAG

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December 18, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 and Nasdaq traded slightly lower on the week. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to have its sixth straight week of gains. All in all, major indices are all hanging around 52-week highs as we approach the Christmas holiday.

Being that it is Christmas week, one could expect volumes to lighten and volatility to be relatively low. No surprise, with the VIX closing at 12.20 on Friday.

Crude oil futures prices were nearly 1% higher on the week, as they are not to far off 52-week highs. Sentiment has been bullish ever since Non-OPEC and OPEC members agreed to make production costs.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.96%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.31%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -2.13%.

Here are some important events worth watching during the week:

Key Economic Data:
21 Dec 2016- Existing Home Sales 10:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
22 Dec 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, GDP 8:30 AM ET, Philly Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Personal Income and Outlays 10:00 AM ET
23 Dec 2016- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
19 Dec 2016- LEN
20 Dec 2016- BBRY, CCL, DRI, FDS, GIS, KMX,NAV, FDX, NKE, SCS
21 Dec 2016- ACN, FINL, LNN, PAYX, CAMP, BBBY, MU, RHT
22 Dec 2016- CAG

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December 15, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The markets rebounded today off rather high volume. Some of the strongest sectors included banks and insurance. This was largely due to yesterday’s FOMC decision to raise rates. The Dow Jones Industrials closed at 19,852, getting very close to that magical 20k mark.

Judging by the VIX, there isn’t much volatility expected at the moment, as it closed at 12.79.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.35%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.51%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -1.37%.

One poor performer today was silver (SLV), the iShares Silver Trust (ETF) was down 4.71%.

Shippers were strong today, some of the top names were: DCIX +99.6%, ESEA +90.65%, and DRYS +54.09%

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Carnival Corp (CCL), which traded 5.8 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Sage Therapeutics (SAGE), which saw 10.3 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
16 Dec 2016- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET

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December 11, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 had another impressive week, gaining more than 3% and up 6% over the last 30 days. On the other hand, the Russell 2000 has been even more impressive, gaining nearly 6% on the week and almost 16% over the last 30 days. With that said, all eyes are focused in on the FOMC and how the market will react to a widely anticipated rate hike.

Based on how the VIX close on Friday, there is very little fear in the market at the moment. The VIX is now trading below 12, and closed at 11.75 on Friday.

Crude oil futures prices were relatively flat on the week after last week’s surge to near 52-week highs. They’re trading above $50 per barrel and threatening to take out this year’s highs.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.35%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -1.77%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -1.56%.

Here are some important events worth watching during the week:

Key Economic Data:
14 Dec 2016- PPI 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET, FOMC Meeting 2:00 PM ET, FOMC Forecasts 2:00 PM ET, Fed Chair Press Conference 2:30 PM ET
15 Dec 2016- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET
16 Dec 2016- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
12 Dec 2016- KMG, RENN, STRP, PAY
13 Dec 2016- GMS, HEI
14 Dec 2016- APOG, ARWR, JOY, LAKE, PIR,
15 Dec 2016- AIR, ADBE, JBL, NAV, ORCL, RAD, SAFM, SCHL
16 Dec 2016- CCL

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December 8, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 continued to move higher today, as the Santa Claus rally continues to be on schedule. The darling of the market continues to be the Russell 2000, it gained more than 1.5% today. The Russell 2000 Index ETF (IWM) is nearly up 15% on the month.

Despite the market moving higher, we saw some hedgers come in, the VIX was up more than 3.4% and closed at 12.64.

Stocks in play today included: Wynn Resorts (WYNN) -10.8%, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) -12.72%, Majesco Entertainment (COOL) +65%, Express Scripts Holdings (ESRX) -6.8%

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.89%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -1.25%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.19%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Tractor Supply Company (TSCO), which traded 5.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS), which saw 6.6 times normal options volume.

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

Key Earnings:
9 Dec 2016- MTN

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December 6, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 continued to chug along, and the Russell 2000 reached an intraday high during today’s session. All eyes are on the FOMC meeting next week. As of now, the market is pricing in a rate hike. With that said, trading volumes are expected to dry out as we approach the holiday season. For example, today was about half the volume we normally see in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY).

This can be seen with what’s been going on in the VIX. The VIX closed below 12, at 11.79 today.

Crude oil futures snapped a four-day winning streak, however; they’ve been on an absolute tear following the OPEC announcement last week, trading above $50 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Tableau Software (DATA), which traded 2.8 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in PharmAthene (PIP), which saw 9.8 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
7 Dec 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
8 Dec 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
7 Dec 2016- LULU, XRX, COST, HRB, UNFI
8 Dec 2016- CIEN, FRED, HOV, VNCE, AVGO, FNSR
9 Dec 2016- MTN

Key Conferences:
Goldman Sachs European Industrials Conference (runs till 11/7); KeyBanc Consumer Conference (runs till 11/7); UBS Media Communications Conference (runs till 11/7); Raymond James Technology Conference (runs till 11/7)
Cowen Energy & Natural Resources Conference (runs till 11/7); Goldman Sachs Financial Services Conference (runs till 11/7)
7 Dec 2016- Barclay’s Technology Conference (runs till 11/8); Citigroup Healthcare Conference (runs till 11/8)

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December 4, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all closed the week lower after posting several weeks of impressive gains. It’s too early to tell whether this is the beginning of something more significant or simply just a pull back from record highs. One things for sure, there isn’t much on the schedule in terms of domestic economic events and earnings.

In respect market volatility, the VIX closed at 14.12 on Friday.

With that said, traders will closely be watching the ECB Policy Meeting, as well as comments out of President-Elect Trump. He’s made some recent comments on potentially taxing domestic businesses that leave the U.S. and try to sell their products back into the country. Of course, this could impact some publicly traded companies dramatically.

Crude oil futures responded well following the OPEC meeting. Crude oil futures prices rose more than 12% and are not to far off from 52-week highs. Energy related companies also saw huge bid as well.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +11.3%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -1.01%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.42%.

Here are some important events worth watching during the week:

Key Economic Data:
6 Dec 2016- International Trade 8:30 AM ET
7 Dec 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
8 Dec 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
5 Dec 2016- COUP
6 Dec 2016- AZO, BMO, BOBE, HDS, MIK, TOL, PLAY, SIGM
7 Dec 2016- LULU, XRX, COST, HRB, UNFI
8 Dec 2016- CIEN, FRED, HOV, VNCE, AVGO, FNSR
9 Dec 2016- MTN

Key Conferences:
5 Dec 2016- Barclays Discretionary Conference (runs till 11/6); Goldman Sachs European Industrials Conference (runs till 11/7); KeyBanc Consumer Conference (runs till 11/7); UBS Media Communications Conference (runs till 11/7); Raymond James Technology Conference (runs till 11/7)
6 Dec 2016- Cowen Energy & Natural Resources Conference (runs till 11/7); Goldman Sachs Financial Services Conference (runs till 11/7)
7 Dec 2016- Barclay’s Technology Conference (runs till 11/8); Citigroup Healthcare Conference (runs till 11/8)

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